Patent Description:
Automated diagnostic analyzers employ multiple carousels and multiple pipetting mechanisms to automatically aspirate fluid from and dispense fluid to different areas in the analyzer to perform diagnostic analysis procedures. The carousels may include a carousel for reaction vessels, a carousel for samples and/or a carousel for reagents. By arranging multiple containers on the respective carousels, these known analyzers are capable of conducting multiple tests on multiple test samples as the carousels rotate. Some known carousels are arranged in a coplanar orientation, and a number of different modules or stations are disposed around the carousels to perform specific functions such as, for example, mixing the contents of a reaction vessel, washing a reaction vessel and/or a pipette, incubating a test sample, and analyzing the contents of a reaction vessel. Due to the multiple coplanar carousels and the number of modules and stations, these known automated clinical analyzers typically require a relatively large space.

<CIT> discloses an automated analyzer with two carousels where one carousel is placed above the other one and a pipetting station is placed within the circumference of the upper carousel.

Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and disclosed in detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numbers are used to identify the same or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic for clarity and/or conciseness. Additionally, several examples have been described throughout this specification. Any features from any example may be included with, a replacement for, or otherwise combined with other features from other examples.

Diagnostics laboratories employ diagnostic instruments such as those for testing and analyzing specimens or samples including, for example, clinical chemistry analyzers, immunoassay analyzers and hematology analyzers. Specimens and biological samples are analyzed to, for example, check for the presence or absence of an item of interest including, for example, a specific region of DNA, mitochondrial DNA, a specific region of RNA, messenger RNA, transfer RNA, mitochondrial RNA, a fragment, a complement, a peptide, a polypeptide, an enzyme, a prion, a protein, an antibody, an antigen, an allergen, a part of a biological entity such as a cell or a viron, a surface protein, and/or functional equivalent(s) of the above. Specimens such as a patient's body fluids (e.g., serum, whole blood, urine, swabs, plasma, cerebra-spinal fluid, lymph fluids, tissue solids) can be analyzed using a number of different tests to provide information about the patient's health.

Generally, analysis of a test sample involves the reaction of test samples with one or more reagents with respect to one or more analytes. The reaction mixtures are analyzed by an apparatus for one or more characteristics such as, for example, the presence and/or concentration of a certain analyte in the test sample. Use of automated diagnostic analyzers improves the efficiency of the laboratory procedures because the technician (e.g., an operator) has fewer tasks to perform and, thus, the potential for operator or technician error is reduced. In addition, automated diagnostic analyzers also provide results much more rapidly and with increased accuracy and repeatability.

Automated diagnostic analyzers use multiple pipettes to move liquids between storage containers (e.g., receptacles such as open topped tubes) and containers in which the specimens are to be processed (e.g., reaction vessels). For example, a specimen may be contained in a tube loaded in a rack on an analyzer, and a head carrying a pipette moves the pipette into the tube where a vacuum is applied to extract a selected amount of the specimen from the tube into the pipette. The head retracts the pipette from the tube and moves to another tube or reaction vessel located at a processing station and deposits the extracted specimen from the pipette into the reaction vessel. A reagent is similarly acquired from a reagent supply.

The example automated diagnostic analyzers disclosed herein position a first carousel (e.g., a reaction carousel, a reagent carousel, a sample carousel) above at least a portion of a second carousel (e.g., a reaction carousel, a reagent carousel, a sample carousel) to reduce lab space, increase throughput and decrease sample testing time (e.g., turnaround time). The example automated diagnostic analyzers also locate one or more pipetting mechanism(s) within the outer diameters of one of more of the carousels to further reduce the dimensions (e.g., the footprint) of the analyzer and decrease the distanced traveled by the respective pipetting mechanisms. The example automated diagnostic analyzers can simultaneously perform two or more tests on a plurality of test samples in a continuous and random access fashion. Test steps such as aspirating/dispensing, incubations, washes and specimen dilution are performed automatically by the instrument as scheduled. By utilizing vertically arranged or stacked carousels, the foot print or floor space required for the overall system is reduced. Additionally, the distanced traveled by the pipetting mechanism is also reduced, which decreases turnaround time and, thus, increases the throughput of the example analyzer. For example, in some examples, the example analyzers disclosed herein perform up to about <NUM> tests per hour. Further, because the carousels are stacked vertically, carousels with larger diameters and, thus, higher capacity than known analyzers may be incorporated into the example analyzers. The higher capacity analyzers occupy less space than lower capacity analyzers that have a coplanar carousel configuration. The example analyzers with smaller footprints, higher throughputs and shorter turnaround times are advantageous to the operations of hospitals, laboratories, and other research facilities that utilize diagnostic analyzers.

An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a first carousel rotatably coupled to a base and having a first diameter and a first axis of rotation. The example apparatus includes a second carousel rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced over the first carousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over the first carousel. In the example apparatus, the second carousel has a second diameter, a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels. The example apparatus also includes a first pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The example first pipetting mechanism is to access the first carousel and the second carousel. The example first pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first diameter and offset from the second axis of rotation.

In some examples, the first axis of rotation and the second axis are parallel to and offset from each other. In some examples, the second diameter is less than the first diameter.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a second pipetting mechanism to access the first carousel and the second carousel. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first diameter and outside of the second diameter. In some examples, the first carousel comprises an outer annular array of containers and an inner annular array of containers concentric with the outer annular array and the first pipetting mechanism is to access at least one of the inner annular array of containers or the vessels, and the second pipetting mechanism to access at least one of the outer annular array of containers or the vessels. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism comprises a first pipette arm movable (e.g., rotatable) along a first path of travel over a first inner container of the inner annular array of containers and a first vessel of the plurality of vessels. In some such examples, the second pipette mechanism comprises a second pipette arm movable (e.g., rotatable) along a second path of travel over a second outer container of the outer annular array of containers and a second vessel of the plurality of vessels. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is offset from the first axis of rotation.

In some examples, the apparatus comprises a third pipetting mechanism. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism is to access only the first carousel. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism is disposed outside of the first diameter and outside of the second diameter. In some such examples, the third pipetting mechanism comprises a third pipette arm movable (e.g., rotatable) along a third path of travel over a container outside of the first diameter and the second diameter and over a third vessel of the plurality of vessels.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a plate coupled to the base disposed between the first carousel and the second carousel, the second carousel being rotatably coupled to the plate. In some such examples, the second pipetting mechanism is coupled to the plate.

In some examples, first carousel further comprises a middle annular array of containers spaced radially between the outer annular array of containers and the inner annular array of containers.

In some examples, the second carousel is to rotate in a plurality of intervals, each interval comprising an advancement and a stop. In some such examples, the second carousel is operable to rotate approximately <NUM>° during the advancement of one of the intervals. In some examples, the second carousel is stationary during the stop of one of the intervals, a duration of the stop being greater than a duration of the advancement of the interval.

In some examples, the first carousel is to rotate in a plurality of intervals, each interval comprising an advancement and a stop. In some such examples, the first carousel is operable to rotate approximately <NUM>° during the advancement of one of the intervals, a duration of the advancement being about one second of the interval.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a servo motor to rotate one or more of the first carousel or the second carousel.

In some examples, the outer annular array of containers on the first carousel contain a first type of reagent and the inner annular array of containers on the first carousel contain a second type of reagent different than the first type of reagent.

In some examples, the containers of the first carousel are reagent containers, and the vessels of the second carousel are reaction vessels. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism comprises a probe arm having a vertically descending portion.

In another example disclosed herein, an apparatus includes a reagent carousel rotatably coupled to a base about a first axis of rotation. The example apparatus also includes a reaction carousel rotatably coupled to the base about a second axis of rotation, the reaction carousel disposed above the reagent carousel. In addition, the example apparatus includes a first pipette in fluid communication with the reagent carousel and the reaction carousel.

Also, in some examples disclosed herein the example apparatus includes a reagent container disposed on the reagent carousel and a reagent in the reagent container. In addition, the example apparatus includes a reaction vessel disposed on the reaction carousel. In such examples, the first pipette is to aspirate a portion of the reagent from the reagent container, move upward vertically, then dispense the portion of the reagent into the reaction vessel.

In some examples, the example apparatus also includes a second pipette to aspirate a sample from a sample container apart from the reagent carousel and the reaction carousel and dispense the sample into the reaction vessel.

An example method disclosed herein includes rotating a first carousel relative to a base, the first carousel having a first diameter, a first axis of rotation, an outer annular array of containers and an inner annular array of containers concentric with the outer annular array. The example method includes rotating a second carousel relative to the base, the second carousel having a second diameter, a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels and being vertically spaced over the first carousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over the first carousel. The example method also includes aspirating a first fluid from a first carousel via a first pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The first pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first diameter.

In some examples, the method includes aspirating a second fluid from the first carousel via a second pipetting mechanism. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first diameter an outside of the second diameter. In some examples, the method also includes accessing at least one of the inner annular array of containers or the vessels with the first pipetting mechanism and accessing at least one of the outer annular array of containers or the vessels with the second pipetting mechanism. In some examples, the method includes rotating a first pipette arm of the first pipetting mechanism along a first path of travel over a first inner container of the inner annular array of containers and a first vessel. In some such examples, the method also includes rotating a second pipette arm of the second pipetting mechanism along a second path of travel over a first outer container of the outer annular array of containers and a second vessel. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is offset from the first axis of rotation.

In some examples, the method includes aspirating a third fluid via a third pipetting mechanism. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism is disposed outside of the first diameter and outside of the second diameter. In some such examples, the method includes rotating a third pipette arm of the third pipetting mechanism along a third path of travel over a container outside of the first diameter and the second diameter and over a third vessel of the plurality of vessels.

In some examples, the method includes rotating the second carousel in a plurality of intervals, each interval comprising an advancement and a stop. In some such examples, the method includes rotating the second carousel approximately <NUM>° during the advancement of one of the intervals. In some examples, the method includes idling the second carousel during the stop of one of the intervals, a duration of the stop being greater than a duration of an advancement of the interval.

In some examples, the method includes accessing a first vessel on the second carousel with the first pipetting mechanism, rotating the second carousel in a plurality of intervals, and rotating the second carousel for two or more intervals for the first pipetting mechanism to access a second vessel, the second vessel being physically adjacent to the first vessel.

In some examples, the method includes rotating the first carousel in a plurality of intervals, each interval comprising an advancement and a stop. In some such examples, the method includes rotating the first carousel approximately <NUM>° during the advancement of one of the intervals, a duration of the advancement being about one second of the interval.

In some examples, the method includes activating a servo motor to rotate one or more of the first carousel or the second carousel.

Turning now to the figures, a portion of an example automated diagnostic analyzer <NUM> is shown in partially exploded views <FIG> and <FIG>, and an assembled example analyzer <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The example analyzer <NUM> includes a first carousel <NUM> and a second carousel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM> are rotatably coupled to a base station <NUM> independent of each other. The base station <NUM> houses different subassemblies and other components used for testing (e.g., performing diagnostic analyses) such as, for example, wash fluid, bulk reagents, a vacuum source, a pressure source, a refrigeration system, temperature sensors, a processor, motors, etc..

In the example shown in <FIG>, the second carousel <NUM> is vertically spaced above the first carousel <NUM>, and at least a portion of the second carousel <NUM> is disposed over (e.g., above, on top of) the first carousel <NUM>. In the illustrated examples, the first carousel <NUM> is a reagent carousel and the second carousel <NUM> is a reaction vessel carousel. The first carousel <NUM> is to support multiple reagent containers that may store one or more type(s) of reagent(s). The second carousel <NUM> is used for conducting tests on samples. However, in other examples, either of the first and/or second carousels <NUM>, <NUM> may hold reagents, samples, reaction vessels or any combination thereof.

In view of the example analyzer <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the base station <NUM> and other components have been removed for a clear view of the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM>. In the example shown, the first carousel <NUM> includes a plate having a plurality of slots 103a-n. In the example shown, the first carousel <NUM> has a bore <NUM> (e.g., an opening, an aperture, a hole, etc.). In other examples the first carousel <NUM> may be continuous such that the first carousel <NUM> does not have a bore. In the example, shown, each of the slots 103a-n is to hold one or more containers or a container carrier having one or more containers. In the example shown, the second carousel <NUM> is housed within a casing <NUM>. In some examples, the second carousel <NUM> is a reaction carousel, and some diagnostic testing utilize light signals (e.g., during chemiluminescence analysis), and readings during such testing are conducted in a dark environment to effectively read light from a reaction. Thus, in some examples, the second carousel <NUM> is disposed within the casing <NUM> to prevent light from interfering with the readings.

<FIG> shows a plan view of the example analyzer <NUM>. In the example, the first carousel <NUM> has an outer annular array of containers 108a-n that travel along a first annular path <NUM> and an inner annular array of containers 110a-n that travel a second annular path <NUM>. The outer annular array of containers 108a-n and the inner annular array of containers 110a-n are concentric. Some diagnostic tests involve one reagent and other tests utilize another, different reagent and/or two or more reagents to react with a given sample/specimen. Therefore, in some examples, the outer annular array of containers 108a-n may contain, for example, a first type of a reagent and the inner annular array of containers 110a-n may contain, for example, a second type of reagent different than the first type of reagent. Also, in some examples, the type(s) of reagent(s) within one of the annular arrays 108a-n, 110a-n may be different among the different cartridges within that array.

In some examples, the first carousel <NUM> has more than two annular arrays of containers (e.g., three, four or more) spaced radially apart from one another on the first carousel <NUM>. In some examples, the containers are disposed in carriers that are loaded into the slots 103a-n of the first carousel <NUM>. In some examples, each of the carriers may container one, two, three, four or more containers and, when disposed on the first carousel <NUM>, define the annular arrays of containers. In some examples, the first carousel <NUM> includes <NUM> slots 103a-n to receive up to <NUM> carriers. In other examples, the first carousel <NUM> may include <NUM> slots 103a-n to receive up to <NUM> carriers. In some examples, each carrier (e.g., a kit) includes a volume of testing liquid (e.g., reagent) to supply or support about <NUM> to about <NUM> tests. Other examples include different numbers of slots, different numbers of carriers and different volumes of testing liquids.

In the example shown, the second carousel <NUM> has a plurality of reaction vessels 112a-n disposed around an outer circumference of the second carousel <NUM>. In the example shown, the reaction vessels 112a-n are reusable cuvettes (e.g., washable glass cuvettes). After a test has been completed in one of the reaction vessels 112a-n, the vessel 112a-n is cleaned (e.g., sterilized), and the vessel 112a-n may be used for another test. However, in other examples, the reaction vessels 112a-n are disposable cuvettes (e.g., plastic cuvettes) that are discarded after one or more tests. In some examples, the second carousel <NUM> includes an unloading mechanism <NUM> (e.g., a passive unloader or an active unloader) for removing the reaction vessels 112a-n (e.g., disposable cuvettes) from the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, the unloading mechanism <NUM> is positioned such that when one of the reaction vessels 112a-n is unloaded from the second carousel <NUM>, the unloaded reaction vessel 112a-n falls through the bore <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and into a waste container or other receptacle disposed within the base station <NUM>. In some examples, the second carousel <NUM> includes more than one unloading mechanism, and the unloading mechanisms may be disposed in other locations around the second carousel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a front side view of the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM> without the base station and other components. As shown, the first carousel <NUM> rotates about a first axis <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM> rotates about a second axis <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first axis <NUM> and the second axis <NUM> are substantially parallel and offset from each other. However, in other examples, the second carousel <NUM> is disposed over the center of the first carousel <NUM> such that the first axis <NUM> and the second axis <NUM> are substantially coaxially aligned (e.g., the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM> are concentric).

As illustrated more clearly in <FIG>, the first carousel <NUM> has a first diameter <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM> has a second diameter <NUM>. In the example shown, the second diameter <NUM> is less than the first diameter <NUM>. However, in other examples, the second diameter <NUM> is the same as or larger than the first diameter <NUM>. The second carousel <NUM> includes a bore <NUM> such that the second carousel forms a ring-like (e.g., annular) rack for the vessels 112a-n. As shown in this example, the second carousel <NUM> (e.g., the top carousel) is completely disposed above and over the first diameter <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM>. In other examples, only a portion of the second diameter <NUM> is positioned above the first diameter <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the first carousel <NUM> is rotatably coupled to a top <NUM> of the base station <NUM>. The analyzer <NUM> includes a first motor <NUM> (e.g., a stepper motor or a servo motor) to rotate the first carousel <NUM> on the top <NUM> of base station <NUM>. In the example shown, the analyzer <NUM> also includes a platform <NUM> (e.g., a plate, a mounting surface, a shield) mounted to the base station <NUM> via a plurality of legs 128a, 128b and disposed between the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM>. In other examples, the platform <NUM> may be mounted to the base station <NUM> with other fasteners. The platform <NUM> defines a partition or barrier between the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM>. In the example shown, the second carousel <NUM> is rotatably mounted to the platform <NUM>. However, in other examples, the second carousel <NUM> may be rotatably supported on the base station <NUM> without the mounting platform <NUM>. The second carousel <NUM> is rotated via a second motor <NUM> (e.g., a stepper motor or a servo motor). In the example shown, the first and second carousels <NUM>, <NUM> may be rotated clockwise and/or counter-clockwise, depending on the scheduling protocols for the particular testing.

The example automated diagnostic analyzers disclosed herein also include one or more pipetting mechanisms (e.g., probe arms, automated pipettes, etc.). In the illustrated examples shown in <FIG>, the analyzer <NUM> includes a first pipetting mechanism <NUM> that is coupled (e.g., mounted) to the platform <NUM>. The first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the platform <NUM> above the first carousel <NUM> and within the bore <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM> (i.e., within the first diameter <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and within the second diameter <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM>). In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is offset from the second axis <NUM> (e.g., the center of the second carousel <NUM>). However, in other examples the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is aligned with the second axis <NUM>. The first pipetting mechanism <NUM> has multiple degrees of freedom. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> has a first probe arm <NUM> that moves in a first path of travel (e.g., along a horizontal arc) <NUM> and aspirates/dispenses fluid through a first pipette <NUM> located at a distal end of the first probe arm <NUM>. The first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> accesses containers on the first carousel <NUM> through a first access port <NUM>, which may be for example, an opening, an aperture, a hole, a gap, etc. formed in the platform <NUM>. In operation, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves the first probe arm <NUM> along the first path of travel <NUM> (e.g., rotates or pivots clockwise) until the first pipette <NUM> is aligned above the first access port <NUM>. The first path of travel <NUM> may be circular, semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The first pipetting mechanism <NUM> then moves vertically downward until the first pipette <NUM> accesses a container on the first carousel <NUM> to aspirate/dispense liquid (including, for example, microparticles contained in the liquid) from the container. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> and the first access port <NUM> are positioned to allow the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> to aspirate from a container disposed on the first carousel <NUM> below the first access port <NUM>. The first carousel <NUM> holds the outer annular array of containers 108a-n and the inner annular array of containers 110a-n, which may be, for example, first reagents used in a diagnostic test and second reagents used in the diagnostic test, respectively. In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is positioned (e.g., aligned) to aspirate fluid from a container of the inner annular array of containers 110an on the first carousel <NUM>. As shown, the inner annular array of containers 110a-n rotate along the second annular path <NUM>, which intersects with the first access port <NUM> and, thus, the second path of travel <NUM>. In the example shown, a silhouette of a carrier, having two containers (e.g., an outer annular container and an inner annular container), is depicted near the first access port <NUM> to illustrate the interaction of the containers, the first access port <NUM> and/or the first path of travel <NUM>.

After aspirating fluid from the appropriate container on the first carousel <NUM>, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves vertically upward and moves the first probe arm <NUM> along the first path of travel <NUM> (e.g., rotates or pivots clockwise) until the first pipette <NUM> is at point A, at which point the first pipette <NUM> is aligned vertically over one of the plurality of vessels 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> dispenses the liquid (e.g., the liquid including any microparticles aspirated from a container on the first carousel <NUM>) into the vessel 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM> at this position (e.g., the height at which the first pipette <NUM> travels along the first path of travel <NUM>). In other examples, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves vertically downward toward the second carousel <NUM> and dispenses the liquid into the vessel 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> has only one access point, the first access port <NUM>, for accessing containers on the first carousel <NUM> disposed below. However, in other examples, the platform <NUM> includes multiple access ports along the first path of travel <NUM> such that the first pipette <NUM> can access additional areas on the first carousel <NUM>. In some examples, multiple annular arrays of containers (e.g., an inner array and an outer array or an inner array, a middle array and an outer array) are disposed on the first carousel <NUM> at different radial distances (e.g., along the slots <NUM> shown in <FIG>) and, thus, multiple access points along the first path of travel <NUM> allow the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> to access these containers as needed and/or desired.

In the example shown, the analyzer <NUM> includes a second pipetting mechanism <NUM> that is coupled (e.g., mounted) to the platform <NUM>. The second pipetting mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the platform <NUM> above the first carousel <NUM> and next to (e.g., adjacent) the second carousel <NUM> (i.e., within the first diameter <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and outside of the second diameter <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM>). In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> is offset from the first axis <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM>. However, in other examples, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> is aligned with the first axis <NUM> of rotation. The second pipetting mechanism <NUM> has multiple degrees of freedom. In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> has a second probe arm <NUM> that moves along a second path of travel <NUM> (e.g., rotates or pivots along a horizontal arc) to aspirate/dispense fluid through a second pipette <NUM> disposed at a distal end of the second probe arm <NUM>. The second path of travel <NUM> may be circular, semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The second pipetting mechanism <NUM> is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> accesses containers on the first carousel <NUM> through a second access port <NUM> formed in the platform <NUM>. In operation, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the second probe arm <NUM> along the second path of travel <NUM> until the second pipette <NUM> is aligned above the second access port <NUM>. The second pipetting mechanism <NUM> then moves vertically downward for the second pipette <NUM> to access a container on the first carousel <NUM>. In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> and the second access port <NUM> are positioned to allow the second pipetting mechanism to aspirate from a container disposed on the first carousel <NUM> below the second access port <NUM>. As mentioned above, the first carousel <NUM> includes the outer annular array of containers 108a-n and the inner annular array of containers 110a-n, which may be, for example, reagents used first in a diagnostic test and reagents used second in the diagnostic test. In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> is positioned (e.g., aligned) to aspirate liquid including any microparticles from the outer annular array of containers 108a-n on the first carousel <NUM>. As shown, the outer annular array of containers 108a-n rotate along the first annular path <NUM>, which intersects with the second access port <NUM> and, thus, the second path of travel <NUM>. In the example shown, a silhouette of a carrier, having two containers (e.g., an outer annular container and an inner annular container), is depicted near the second access port <NUM> to illustrate the interaction of the containers, the second access port <NUM> and/or the second path of travel <NUM>.

After aspirating liquid and any associated microparticles from the appropriate container on the first carousel <NUM>, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves vertically upward and moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the second probe arm <NUM> counter-clockwise along the second path of travel <NUM> until the second pipette <NUM> is at point B, at which point the second pipette <NUM> is aligned vertically over one of the plurality of vessels 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> dispenses the liquid (e.g., the liquid including any microparticles aspirated from a container on the first carousel <NUM>) into the vessel 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM> at this position (e.g., the height at which the second pipette <NUM> travels along the second path of travel <NUM>). In other examples, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves vertically downward toward the second carousel <NUM> and dispenses the liquid into the vessel 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> has one access point, the second access port <NUM>, for accessing containers on the second carousel <NUM> disposed below. However, in other examples, the platform <NUM> includes multiple access ports along the second path of travel <NUM> such that the second pipette <NUM> can access additional areas on the first carousel <NUM>. In some examples, multiple annular arrays of containers (e.g., an inner array and an outer array or an inner array, a middle array and an outer array) are disposed on the first carousel <NUM> at different radial distances and, thus, multiple access points along the second path of travel <NUM> will allow the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> to access the containers as needed.

In the illustrated examples, the analyzer <NUM> includes a third pipetting mechanism <NUM>. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the platform <NUM>. In other examples, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> may be coupled to the top <NUM> of the base station <NUM>. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is disposed outside of the first diameter <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and outside of the second diameter <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM>. However, in other examples, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is disposed within the first diameter <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM>. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is mounted at a level above the first carousel <NUM>. Specifically, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is mounted to the platform <NUM> above the first carousel <NUM>.

The third pipetting mechanism <NUM> has multiple degrees of freedom. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> has a third probe arm <NUM> that rotates along a third path of travel <NUM> (e.g., a horizontal arc) to aspirate/dispense liquid (e.g., a sample) through a third pipette <NUM> at a distal end of the third probe arm <NUM>. The third path of travel <NUM> may be circular, semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> may be used, for example, to dispense a sample (e.g., a test sample or a specimen) into one or more of the vessels 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, test samples are aspirated from sample containers (which may be in carriers) along the third path of travel <NUM> of the third pipetting mechanism <NUM>. In some examples, test samples are transported to the rear of the analyzer <NUM> via a transporter or a positioner, and the third probe arm <NUM> moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) along the third path of travel <NUM> to align the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> above the sample tubes. After aspirating a sample from a sample tube, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the third probe arm <NUM> along the third path of travel <NUM> until the third pipette <NUM> is at point C, where the third pipette <NUM> is vertically aligned above one of the reaction vessels 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>. The third pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves vertically downward toward the second carousel <NUM> and dispenses the sample into one of the vessels 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>.

In the example shown, three pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are employed to perform automated testing. However, in other example analyzers, more or fewer automated pipetting mechanisms may be utilized (such as, for example, one, two, four, five, etc.). For example, there may be a fourth pipetting mechanism, which also may be used to dispense samples into one of the vessels 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>. Also, in some examples, one or more of the pipetting mechanisms may include a double probe to enable the pipetting mechanism to aspirate from and/or dispense to two containers and/or vessels simultaneously. For example, with two probes on the third pipetting mechanism <NUM>, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> can dispense a first sample in a first vessel and a second sample in a second vessel. In addition, in some examples, the pipetting mechanisms may be located in different locations, to perform the steps for analysis. Further, in some example analyzers, the pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may aspirate from multiple sources and dispense into multiple locations (e.g., containers and vessels) along their respective paths of travel.

In the example analyzer <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the first and second pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> have a larger Z direction range (e.g., a vertical range or stroke) than pipetting mechanisms in known analyzers, because the first and second pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> is to access the containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the first carousel <NUM> at a lower level and the vessels 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM> at a higher level. Thus, in some examples, the height (e.g., the vertical position of the tip of the pipette <NUM>, <NUM>) at which the pipettes <NUM>, <NUM> aspirate liquid from the containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the first carousel <NUM> is different than the height at which the pipettes <NUM>, <NUM> dispense liquid into the vessels 112an. The example pipette <NUM>, <NUM> tips are positioned at a first height to access the containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the first carousel <NUM> and a second height to access the vessels 112a-n on the first carousel <NUM>, the first height being lower (e.g., closer to the base <NUM>) than the second height. In some examples, each of the probe arms <NUM>, <NUM> includes a downward or vertically descending portion <NUM>, <NUM> to allow the pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> to incorporate a standard sized pipette or probe. In such examples, the downward portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the probe arms <NUM>, <NUM> displaces the pipettes or probes further from the probe arms <NUM>, <NUM> to ensure the pipettes have access into the containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the first carousel <NUM>. With the downward portions <NUM>, <NUM>, the pipettes are able to access the bottom of the containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the first carousel <NUM> without, for example, the platform <NUM> blocking a downward or vertical descent of the probe arms <NUM>, <NUM>. Use of a standard size pipette or probe, as compared to a longer pipette or probe, reduces the effects of vibrations (e.g., from the motors, mixers, etc.) on the pipette or probe, resulting in greater operation accuracy.

In some examples, the length of the probe arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the length of the paths of travel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are shorter than the probe arms of some known analyzers. The decreased probe arm length of the illustrated examples reduces the effects of vibrations (e.g., from the motors, mixers, etc.) on the pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> because the respective pipettes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are closer to the base of the respective pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and, thus, are closer to the center of mass and are sturdier. The sturdier probes arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> enable the example pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to operate with greater accuracy. The example pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also operate with greater speed because there is no need to wait for vibrations to dampen or otherwise subside before operation of the pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the example shown, the first, second and third pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include respective base assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the base assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include drive components and other actuating components to move the first, second and third probe arms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the Z direction.

Although the first and second carousels <NUM>, <NUM> are disclosed herein as being a reagent carousel and a reaction carousel, respectively, the teachings of this disclosure may be applied to examples in which either the first carousel <NUM> and/or the second carousel <NUM> includes reagents, reaction vessels and/or samples. Thus, the first carousel <NUM> may be a reaction carousel including a plurality of reaction vessels, and the second carousel <NUM> may be a reagent carousel including a plurality of reagent containers having reagent(s) for reacting with the samples in the reaction vessels.

In the example shown, the analyzer <NUM> also includes additional modules or components for performing different steps in the test process such as, for example, a mixer for mixing, a light source for lighting the reaction vessels, a reader for analyzing the test samples, a wash zone for cleaning the vessels, etc. As shown in <FIG>, the example analyzer <NUM> includes a reader <NUM>, a plurality of mixers 160a-d, and a wash station <NUM> for cleaning the reaction vessels. In some examples, the reaction vessels 112a-n are cleaned at the wash station <NUM> at point D. In some examples, the mixers 160a-d (e.g., in-track vortexers (ITV)) are coupled to the platform <NUM> disposed between the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM>, which may, for example, dampen the vibrating effects of the mixers 160a-d and reduce the influence they have on the pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and other components of the analyzer <NUM>. In some examples, the mixers 160a-d are disposed beneath the vessels 112a-n on the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, the analyzer <NUM> includes one or more wash zones coupled to the platform <NUM> and disposed along the first, second and/or third paths of travel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the pipettes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are cleaned between aspirating/dispensing functions in the wash zones.

In the example shown, the first and second carousels <NUM>, <NUM> rotate in intervals or locksteps during a diagnostic test. Each interval has an advancement step wherein the carousel moves and stop step where the carousel is idle. Depending on the type of diagnostic test performed, the carousels <NUM>, <NUM> may have different lockstep times and rotational degrees that are traversed during the advancement step. In the example shown, the second carousel <NUM> has total a lockstep time (the combination of an advancement step and a stop step) of about four seconds (i.e., the second carousel <NUM> rotates incrementally to a different position about every four seconds). During the advancement step of the lockstep, the second carousel <NUM> rotates about <NUM>° (e.g., about a quarter turn). In other examples, the second carousel <NUM> may rotate more or less depending on the scheduling protocols designed for the specific analyzer and/or for a particular diagnostic testing protocol. In some examples, the second carousel <NUM> rotates about <NUM>° to about <NUM>° during the advancement step of the lockstep. In other examples, the second carousel rotates about <NUM>° to about <NUM>° during the advancement step of the lockstep.

In the example shown, the advancement step may take place during about one second of the four second lockstep, and the second carousel <NUM> may remain idle (e.g., stationary) for about three second during the stop step of the lockstep. During these three seconds, the first, second and third pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are aspirating and/or dispensing liquids (e.g., simultaneously or in sequence), including any microparticles contained therein, and other functional modules are operating around the carousels <NUM>, <NUM>. Some of the functional modules such as, for example, the reader <NUM>, also operate during the advancement step of a lockstep. Additionally or alternatively, the reader <NUM> operates during the stop step of a lockstep.

In some examples, the first carousel <NUM> has a lockstep time of about two seconds. For each lockstep, the first carousel <NUM> rotates during one second (e.g., an advancement step) and is idle (e.g., stationary) for one second (e.g., a stop step). The lockstep time for the first carousel <NUM> is half of the lockstep time for the second carousel <NUM> so that the first carousel <NUM> may be repositioned during one lockstep of the second carousel <NUM>, and a second reagent can be aspirated from the first carousel <NUM> and dispensed into the second carousel <NUM> during one lockstep of second carousel <NUM>. For example, a first reagent container on the outer annular array of containers 108a-n and a second reagent container on the inner annular array of container 110a-n may be on the same radial slot 103a-n on the first carousel <NUM>. In this example, if both reagents are to be used during a single lockstep of the second carousel <NUM>, during the first lockstep for the first carousel <NUM>, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> may aspirate a reagent from the outer annular array of containers 108a-n. After the second pipette <NUM> has left the container, the first carousel <NUM> rotates to its second lockstep position so that the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> can aspirate its desired reagent from the inner annular array of container 110a-n during the same lockstep of the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, depending on the location of the pipetting mechanisms, the first carousel <NUM> is rotated approximately <NUM>° to the next position so the next pipetting mechanism can aspirate and dispense in accordance with the testing protocol. Thus, both the first and second pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> can aspirate from containers in any of the slots 103a-n of the first carousel <NUM> in one lockstep of the second carousel <NUM>. In addition, in some examples, the first and second pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> may interact with the first carousel <NUM> during the stop step portion of the lockstep of the first carousel <NUM> while the second carousel <NUM> rotates in the advancement step of the lockstep of the second carousel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example analyzer <NUM> with an alternative configuration of carousels and pipetting mechanisms. In this example, the analyzer <NUM> includes a first carousel <NUM> and a second carousel <NUM> that are each rotatably coupled to a base <NUM>. The second carousel <NUM> is disposed above and over the first carousel <NUM>. The first carousel <NUM> may be, for example, a reagent carousel having a plurality of reagent containers and the second carousel <NUM> may be, for example, a reaction carousel having a plurality of reaction vessels.

In the example shown, the first carousel <NUM> has an outer annular section <NUM> for containers and an inner annular section <NUM> for containers. In some examples, containers on the outer annular section <NUM> may be, for example, reagent containers that hold a first reagent to be used in a first step in a test process, and containers on the inner annular section <NUM> may be, for example, reagent containers that hold a second reagent to be used either in a second step in the test process and/or in a second test process different than the first.

As shown, the first carousel <NUM> has a first bore <NUM> and a first diameter <NUM>, and the second carousel <NUM> has a second bore <NUM> and a second diameter <NUM>. In this example, a center of the second carousel <NUM> is offset from a center of the first carousel <NUM> and within the first diameter <NUM> (i.e., the second carousel <NUM> is disposed vertically above the first carousel <NUM> and positioned within the outer bounds of the first carousel <NUM>).

The analyzer <NUM> includes a first pipetting mechanism <NUM> disposed within the first diameter <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and within the second diameter <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM>. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is also disposed within the first bore <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and the second bore <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is mounted to the base <NUM>. In other examples, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is mounted to a platform disposed between the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM>. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves in the Z direction (e.g., vertically) and rotates or otherwise moves to aspirate/dispense liquid including liquids that have microparticles within a first probe arm radius or range of motion <NUM>. The first probe arm radius <NUM> is capable of extending over a portion of the inner annular section <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and over a portion of the second carousel <NUM> such that the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is able to aspirate/dispense from/to containers or vessels disposed on the inner annular section <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and/or containers or vessels on disposed on the second carousel <NUM>. Thus, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> may be used, for example, to aspirate a reagent from a container on the first carousel <NUM> and dispense the reagent into a reaction vessel on the second carousel <NUM>.

The analyzer <NUM> includes a second pipetting mechanism <NUM> disposed outside the first diameter <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and outside of the second diameter <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> is mounted to the base <NUM>. In other examples, the second pipetting mechanism is mounted to a platform disposed between the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM>. The second pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves in the Z direction (e.g., vertically) and rotates or otherwise moves to aspirate/dispense fluid within a second probe arm radius or range of motion <NUM>. As shown, the second probe arm radius <NUM> extends over a portion of the outer annular section <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and a portion of the second carousel <NUM> such that the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> is able to aspirate/dispense from/to containers or vessels disposed on the outer annular section <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and/or containers or vessels on disposed on the second carousel <NUM>. Thus, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> may be used, for example, to aspirate a reagent from a container on the first carousel <NUM> and dispense the reagent into a reaction vessel on the second carousel <NUM>.

The example analyzer <NUM> includes a third pipetting mechanism <NUM> disposed outside the first diameter <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM> and outside of the second diameter <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM>. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is mounted to the base <NUM>. In other examples, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is mounted to a platform disposed between the first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM>. The third pipetting mechanism <NUM> moves in the Z direction (e.g., vertically) and rotates or otherwise moved to aspirate/dispense fluid within a third probe arm radius <NUM>. As shown, the third probe arm radius or range of motion <NUM> extends over a portion of the outer annular section <NUM> of the first carousel <NUM>, a portion of the second carousel <NUM>, and a region outside of the base <NUM> of the analyzer <NUM>. The third pipetting mechanism <NUM> may be used, for example, to aspirate sample from a test sample tube disposed outside of the base <NUM> (e.g., from another portion of the analyzer <NUM>) and to dispense the sample into a container or vessel on the second carousel <NUM>.

In the example shown, the inner annular section <NUM> and the outer annular section <NUM> are formed in the same carousel <NUM> and, thus, rotate together. However, in other examples, the inner annular section <NUM> and the outer annular section <NUM> may be separate carousels that are independently rotatable in either direction.

As shown, the first, second and third pipetting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed within the first and second diameters <NUM>, <NUM> and/or in the corners of the base <NUM>. In addition, the first carousel <NUM> and second carousel <NUM> are stacked. Thus, the footprint of the example analyzer <NUM> is less than an analyzer with coplanar carousels.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example processing system <NUM> for use with an automated diagnostic analyzer such as, for example, the analyzers <NUM>, <NUM> disclosed above. The example processing system <NUM> includes a station/instrument controller <NUM>, which controls the instruments and mechanisms used during a diagnostic test. In the example shown, the station/instrument controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled to instruments 604a-n. The instruments 604a-n may include, for example, components of the example analyzer <NUM> disclosed above including the first pipetting mechanism <NUM>, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM>, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM>, the ITVs 160a-d, the wash zone <NUM> and/or the reader <NUM>. The example processing system <NUM> includes an example processor <NUM> that operates the station/instrument controller <NUM> and, thus, the instruments 604a-n in accordance with a schedule or testing protocol as disclosed herein.

The example processing system <NUM> also includes a carousel controller <NUM>, which controls one or more carousels of the analyzer. In the example shown, the carousel controller <NUM> is communicatively coupled to a first carousel <NUM> and a second carousel <NUM>. The first carousel <NUM> and the second carousel <NUM> may correspond, for example, to the first and second carousels <NUM>, <NUM> disclosed above in connection with the example analyzer <NUM>. The carousel controller <NUM> controls the rotation of the first and second carousels <NUM>, <NUM>, such as, for example, using a motor (e.g., the motors <NUM>, <NUM> disclosed in connection with the analyzer <NUM>). Also, the example processor <NUM> operates the carousel controller <NUM> and, thus, the carousels <NUM>, <NUM> in accordance with a schedule or testing protocol.

The example processing system <NUM> also includes a database <NUM> that may store information related to the operation of the example system <NUM>. The information may include, for example, the testing protocol, reagent identification information, reagent volume information, sample identification information, position information related to a position (e.g., reaction vessel, lockstep and/or rotation) of a sample, status information related to the contents and/or position of a reaction vessel, pipette position information, carousel position information, lockstep duration information, etc..

The example processing system <NUM> also includes a user interface such as, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI) <NUM>. An operator or technician interacts with the processing system <NUM> and, thus, the analyzer <NUM>, <NUM> via the interface <NUM> to provide, for example, commands related to the testing protocols, information related to the samples to be tested, information related to the reagents or other fluids to be used in the testing, etc. The interface <NUM> may also be used by the operator to obtain information related to the status and/or results of any testing completed and/or in progress.

In the example shown, the processing system components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are communicatively coupled to other components of the example system <NUM> via communication links <NUM>. The communication links <NUM> may be any type of wired connection (e.g., a databus, a USB connection, etc.) and/or any type of wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency, infrared, etc.) using any past, present or future communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, USB <NUM>, USB <NUM>, etc.). Also, the components of the example system <NUM> may be integrated in one device or distributed over two or more devices.

While an example manner of implementing the analyzers <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> is illustrated in <FIG>, one or more of the elements, processes and/or devices illustrated in <FIG> may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the example station/instrument controller <NUM>, the example instruments 604a-n, the example processor <NUM>, the example carousel controller <NUM>, the example first carousel <NUM>, the example second carousel <NUM>, the example database <NUM>, the example graphical user interface <NUM> and/or, more generally, the example processing system <NUM> of <FIG> may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination of hardware, software and/or firmware. Thus, for example, any of the example station/instrument controller <NUM>, the example instruments 604a-n, the example processor <NUM>, the example carousel controller <NUM>, the example first carousel <NUM>, the example second carousel <NUM>, the example database <NUM>, the example graphical user interface <NUM> and/or, more generally, the example processing system <NUM> could be implemented by one or more analog or digital circuit(s), logic circuits, programmable processor(s), application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)) and/or field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)). When reading any of the apparatus or system claims of this patent to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, at least one of the example station/instrument controller <NUM>, the example instruments 604a-n, the example processor <NUM>, the example carousel controller <NUM>, the example first carousel <NUM>, the example second carousel <NUM>, the example database <NUM> and/or the example graphical user interface <NUM> is/are hereby expressly defined to include a tangible computer readable storage device or storage disk such as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a compact disk (CD), a Blu-ray disk, etc. storing the software and/or firmware. Further still, the example processing system <NUM> of <FIG> may include one or more elements, processes and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in <FIG>, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices.

A flowchart representative of an example method <NUM> for implementing the analyzers <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the processing system <NUM> of <FIG> is shown in <FIG>. In this example, the method may be implemented as machine readable instructions comprising a program for execution by a processor such as the processor <NUM> shown in the example processor platform <NUM> discussed below in connection with <FIG>. The program may be embodied in software stored on a tangible computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, or a memory associated with the processor <NUM>, but the entire program and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor <NUM> and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although the example program is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated in <FIG>, many other methods of implementing the example analyzers <NUM>, <NUM> and/or processing system <NUM> may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

As mentioned above, the example process <NUM> of <FIG> may be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readable instructions) stored on a tangible computer readable storage medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a cache, a random-access memory (RAM) and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the term tangible computer readable storage medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals. As used herein, "tangible computer readable storage medium" and "tangible machine readable storage medium" are used interchangeably. Additionally or alternatively, the example process <NUM> of <FIG> may be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer and/or machine readable medium such as a hard disk drive, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a cache, a random-access memory and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable device or disk and to exclude propagating signals. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as the transition term in a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term "comprising" is open ended.

<FIG> illustrates the example process <NUM> for diagnostic testing, which may be implemented, for example, by the example analyzers <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the processing system <NUM> disclosed herein. The example process <NUM> of <FIG> is described from the perspective of the operations for a single reaction vessel as the reaction vessel rotates on a carousel of an analyzer throughout multiple locksteps. However, the example process <NUM> is repeatedly implemented simultaneously and/or in sequence for multiple reaction vessels. The example diagnostic testing may be, for example, a clinical chemistry test. The example analyzer <NUM> disclosed above includes a reaction carousel (e.g., the second carousel <NUM>) having a plurality of reaction vessels. In some examples, the reaction carousel has <NUM> reaction vessels (e.g., glass cuvettes) spaced around the outer circumference of the second carousel. The reaction carousel rotates in locksteps (e.g., discrete intervals). Each lockstep, the reaction carousel is rotated about a quarter (e.g., <NUM>°) rotation in the counterclockwise direction. In this example, in each lockstep, the reaction carousel rotates (e.g., via a motor) for one second and remains idle (e.g., stationary) for three seconds.

In the example process <NUM>, the number of complete rotations of the reaction carousel is represented by the variable X, which is set to <NUM> at the beginning of the example process <NUM>, and a predetermined timing of a function or test operation to be performed is represented by N1, N2, N3 and N4. In particular, in this example, N1, N2, N3 and N4 are integers that represent numbers of elapsed locksteps to be used to trigger the performance of a respective function or test operation. In other words, when N1 locksteps have elapsed or completed, a first function or test operation may be performed, when N2 lockstep have elapsed or completed, a second function or test operation may be performed and so on. As mentioned above, the reaction carousel has a lockstep rotation that is slightly more than a quarter turn. In some examples, the rotation is such that after four locksteps, or one full rotation, a given reaction vessel will be indexed one position past where the reaction vessel was in the previous rotation.

The example process includes lockstep4X+<NUM> (block <NUM>). At the beginning, when a full rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero, and this is the first lockstep (i.e., lockstep(<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>). In this first lockstep, a function is performed on the reaction vessel if 4X+<NUM>=N1 (block <NUM>). As noted above, N1 represents the timing or lockstep at which a specific function or test operation is performed in connection with the reaction vessel. For example, in the example analyzer <NUM> disclosed above, the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> is disposed near the reaction carousel <NUM> and is to dispense a sample into a reaction vessel at point C. In some examples, the first lockstep of a given test in a given reaction vessel occurs when the reaction vessel is at point C. Therefore, the function of dispensing sample, N1, may be set to <NUM>, such that if this is the first lockstep (block <NUM>) for the reaction vessel, the function is performed (block <NUM>) (i.e., sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel) because 4X+<NUM>=N1 (e.g., (<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>=<NUM>). In subsequent rotations, wherein N1 continues to be set to <NUM>, and X is not zero, the reaction vessel is idle (block <NUM>) and, for example, no functions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or robotic mechanisms of the example analyzer <NUM>, <NUM> at this lockstep because 4X+<NUM>≠N1 (e.g., (<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>≠<NUM> ). Thus, in this example, if the function is to occur only at the first lockstep (e.g., dispensing a sample), then the example system will sit idle during each subsequent occurrence of a first lockstep during subsequent rotations (e.g., when X><NUM>) until, for example, the reaction vessel is washed and ready for a subsequent test and X is reset to zero for the subsequent implementation of the example process <NUM>.

The example process <NUM> includes advancing to the next lockstep (block <NUM>) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents of any reaction vessel passing the reader. As mentioned above, the reaction carousel rotates about a quarter rotation every lockstep. In some examples, the reaction carousel is rotated for about one second of the four second lockstep time. During the advancement in this lockstep, about a quarter of the reaction vessels on the reaction carousel are passed in front of an analyzer (e.g., the analyzer <NUM>) where the contents of the reaction vessels are analyzed. During the first few locksteps, all or most of the reaction vessels may be empty. However, in some examples, the reader continues to read, even if the data acquired is not used. By reading during every lockstep, the reader acquires a full range of readings during each reaction as the reactions are taking place. In other examples, the reader may delay reading for a predetermined amount of time and/or after a predetermined number reaction vessels are filled with sample and/or reagent.

The example process includes lockstep4X+<NUM> (block <NUM>). Assuming one full rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero and this is the second lockstep (i.e., lockstep(<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>). During this second lockstep, a second function or test operation may be performed in connection with the reaction vessel if 4X+<NUM>=N2 (block <NUM>). Similar to N1, N2 represents the specific timing of a specific function or test operation to be performed in connection with the reaction vessel. For example, in the example analyzer <NUM> disclosed above, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> is disposed near the second carousel <NUM> and dispenses a first reagent into reaction vessels at point B. In some examples, the first carousel <NUM> includes an outer annular array of containers such as, for example, reagents used for first reagent. The second pipetting mechanism <NUM> aspirates from one of the containers on the outer annular array of containers and dispenses the liquid into a reaction vessel on the second carousel <NUM> at point B. In some examples, a reagent is to be dispensed into a reaction vessel during the second lockstep, wherein the first lockstep included adding sample to that reaction vessel. Therefore, for the function of dispensing a first reagent, N2 may be set to <NUM>, such that if this is the second lockstep (block <NUM>) for the reaction vessel, the function is performed (block <NUM>), and a first reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel (block <NUM>) because 4X+<NUM>=N2 (e.g., (<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>=<NUM>). If X is not zero such as, for example, during subsequent rotations, then the reaction vessel is idle (block <NUM>) and, for example, no functions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or robotic mechanisms of the example analyzer <NUM>, <NUM> at this lockstep because 4X+<NUM>≠N2 (e.g., (<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>≠<NUM> ). Thus, in this example, if the function is to occur only at the second lockstep (e.g., dispensing a first reagent), then the example system will sit idle during each subsequent occurrence of a second lockstep during subsequent rotations until, for example, the reaction vessel is washed and ready for a subsequent test and X is reset to zero for the subsequent implementation of the example process <NUM>.

The example process <NUM> includes advancing to the next lockstep (block <NUM>) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents the reaction vessel. During the advancement in this lockstep, about a quarter of the reaction vessels are passed in front of an analyzer (e.g., the analyzer <NUM>) where the contents of the reaction vessels are analyzed.

The example process includes lockstep4X+<NUM> (block <NUM>). Assuming one full rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero and this is the third lockstep (i.e., lockstep(<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>). During this third lockstep, a third function or test operation may be performed in connection with the reaction vessel if 4X+<NUM>=N3 (block <NUM>). Similar to N1 and N2, N3 represents the specific timing or lockstep of a specific function or test operation to be performed in connection with the reaction vessel. For example, in the example analyzer <NUM> disclosed above, a first pipetting mechanism <NUM> is disposed within the second diameter <NUM> of the second carousel <NUM> and is to dispense a second reagent into reaction vessels on the second carousel <NUM> point A. In some examples, the first carousel <NUM> includes an inner annular array of containers 110a-n such as, for example, reagents used for a second reagent. The first pipetting mechanism <NUM> aspirates from one of the containers on the inner annular array of containers 110a-n and dispenses the liquid into a reaction vessel at point A. Therefore, the function of dispensing a second reagent may be activated for a particular vessel by setting N3 to any number of locksteps. In some examples, a diagnostic test includes adding a sample to a reaction vessel, adding a first reagent to the reaction vessel, and then incubating for a certain amount of time before dispensing the second reagent. In some examples, N3 can be set to <NUM>, such that the reaction vessel will be at the <NUM>th lockstep, or third lockstep of the <NUM>th rotation of a testing (i.e., X=<NUM>) when the second reagent is added. Assuming each lockstep is about four seconds, the contents of the reaction vessel incubate for about five minutes before a second reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel. Therefore, the function of dispensing a second reagent may be triggered by setting N3 to <NUM> so that at the <NUM>th lockstep (block <NUM>), the function is performed (block <NUM>) and a second reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel because 4X+<NUM>=N3 (e.g., (<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>=<NUM>). If X is not <NUM> such as, for example, during previous rotations or subsequent rotations, then the reaction vessel is idle (block <NUM>) and, for example, no functions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or robotic mechanism of the example analyzer <NUM>, <NUM> at this lockstep because 4X+<NUM>≠N3 (e.g., (<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>≠<NUM> ). Thus, in this example, if the function is to occur only at the <NUM>th lockstep, i.e., the third lockstep of the <NUM>th rotation (e.g., dispensing a second reagent), then the example system will sit idle during each previous and subsequent occurrence of the third lockstep during previous and subsequent rotations until, for example, the reaction vessel is washed and ready for a subsequent test and X is reset to zero for the subsequent implementation of the example process <NUM>.

The example process <NUM> includes advancing to the next lockstep (block <NUM>) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents the reaction vessels that pass the reader.

The example process includes lockstep4X+<NUM> (block <NUM>). At the beginning, when a full rotation has not occurred yet, X is zero and this is the fourth lockstep (i.e., lockstep(<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>). (block <NUM>). During this fourth lockstep, another function or test operation may be performed in connection with the reaction vessel if 4X+<NUM>=N4 (block <NUM>). Similar to N1, N2 and N3, N4 represents the specific timing of a specific function or test operation to be performed on the reaction vessel. For example, in the example analyzer <NUM> disclosed above, the wash zone <NUM> is disposed to wash reaction vessels at point D. In some examples, a reaction vessel is washed after a test has finished in the reaction vessel. Therefore, N4 can be set at any number to trigger the washing of a vessel. In some examples, a full test of a given sample occurs over about <NUM> full rotations of the carousel. Therefore, N4 may be set to <NUM>, such that when X=<NUM>, the reaction vessel is washed (block <NUM>) because 4X+<NUM>=N3 (e.g., (<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>=<NUM>). If X is not <NUM> such as, for example, during the previous <NUM> rotations, then the reaction vessel is idle (block <NUM>) and, for example, no functions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or any robotic mechanism of the example analyzer <NUM>, <NUM> at this lockstep because 4X+<NUM>≠N4 (e.g., (<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>≠<NUM> ). Thus, in this example, if the function is to occur only at the <NUM>th lockstep, i.e., the fourth lockstep of the <NUM>th rotation (e.g., washing a reaction vessel), then the example system will sit idle during each previous occurrence of the fourth lockstep during previous rotations. Once the reaction vessel is washed and ready for a subsequent test and X is reset to zero for the subsequent implementation of the example process <NUM>.

As noted above, in some examples, if the reaction vessel is washed (block <NUM>), the process <NUM> ends (block <NUM>) and may start over with a clean reaction vessel for a subsequent test. If the diagnostic testing is not complete, the reaction vessel is idle (block <NUM>), and the reaction carousel advances to the next lockstep (block <NUM>). The example process includes continuing with lockstep4X+<NUM> (block <NUM>), where "<NUM>" has been added to X because one full rotation has occurred. Therefore, the start of the second rotation, i.e., the first lockstep of the second rotation will be the fifth lockstep (i.e., lockstep(<NUM>*<NUM>)+<NUM>) (block <NUM>). This process <NUM> may continue as many times as determined by the testing protocols and scheduling sequences.

Additionally, this example is viewed from the perspective of one reaction vessel progressing through a diagnostic test. However, multiple other reactions may be occurring during the same locksteps and may be performed using this process as well. Although the lockstep triggers N1, N2, N3 and N4 are described above as being associated with adding a sample, a first reagent, a second reagent, and a wash zone, respectively, N1-N4 may be associated with any function, test operation or instrument used in diagnostic testing such as, for example, an in track vortexer (e.g., a mixer), an incubator (e.g., a heat source), etc. Therefore, the process <NUM> allows a diagnostic test to be customized in regards to the timing and sequencing of the various functions to be performed in connection with one or more vessels and samples disposed therein.

Additionally, this example includes functions N1, N2, N3, and N4, for the respective locksteps during each rotation. However, in other examples, more than one function can be arranged at the each lockstep and distinguished by the number of rotations completed. For example, a first function may be performed during the first lockstep of the first rotation and a second function may be performed during the fifth lockstep (i.e., the first lockstep of the second rotation).

<FIG> illustrates an example timeline <NUM> that represents the timing of use for a number of specific functions performed during a diagnostic test such as, for example, those performed in the example analyzers <NUM>, <NUM> disclosed above. The example analyzer <NUM> disclosed above includes the third pipetting mechanism <NUM> for dispensing sample at point C, the second pipetting mechanism <NUM> for dispensing a first reagent at point B, the first pipetting mechanism <NUM> to dispense a second reagent at point B, and the wash zone <NUM> to wash a reaction vessel at point D. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed that a number of tests are to be performed sequentially and/or concurrently starting with the first sample being dispensed into a first reaction vessel at T1. In some examples, the reaction carousel rotates in discrete locksteps. Every lockstep, the third pipetting mechanism dispenses a sample into a reaction vessel at point C <NUM>. As shown, this function continues from T1 to T7. For example, if <NUM> tests are to be performed in <NUM> reaction vessels on the reaction carousel, then the third pipetting mechanism dispenses one sample into each reaction vessel at every lockstep until all the samples have been dispensed. Therefore, in some examples, T7 may represent the timing of when or the lockstep at which the last sample is dispensed into a reaction vessel.

The example timeline <NUM> also includes dispensing a first reagent using the second pipetting mechanism at point B <NUM>. As mentioned above, in some examples, a first reagent is to be dispensed into a reaction vessel that was previously at point C (i.e., a reaction vessel including a sample). In this example, the second pipetting mechanism begins dispensing a first reagent to a reaction vessel at point B at time or lockstep T2. In this example, T2 may be one lockstep after the lockstep during which sample is added to the first reaction vessel. The second pipetting mechanism continues to dispense the first reagent until T8, which may be, for example, one lockstep after the last sample is dispensed into the last reaction vessel (i.e., once a first reagent has been added to every sample).

The example timeline <NUM> includes reading <NUM> the reaction vessels. In some examples, the reader analyzes the reaction vessels as the reaction vessels pass in front of the reader during the advancement portion of the lockstep. Therefore, assuming that each lockstep rotation is a about quarter rotation, and the reaction carousel has <NUM> reaction vessels, about <NUM> reaction vessels pass in front of the reader during each lockstep. During the first few locksteps of a diagnostic test, all or a majority of the reaction vessels passing in front of the reader are empty. Therefore, as shown in this example, the reader begins reading at time or lockstep T4, which may be, for example, when the first reaction vessel having a sample and a reagent passes in front of the reader. During every rotation, each reaction vessel is analyzed. In some examples, a full diagnostic test requires <NUM> reads and, thus, <NUM> full rotations. Therefore, the reader continues to read until T10, which may be, for example, when the last reaction vessel that was dispensed to has been read <NUM> times.

The example timeline <NUM> includes dispensing a second reagent <NUM>, via the first pipetting mechanism, beginning at time or lockstep T5. In some examples, a test sample and a first reagent react for a period of time and then a second reagent is added. To ensure adequate incubation time, the second reagent may be dispensed after a set period of time or number of locksteps, T5. Starting at T5, the first pipetting mechanism dispenses a second reagent into the reaction vessels at point A. This continues until T9, which may be, for example, when the last reaction vessel reaches point A and, thus, all the reaction vessels have had a second reagent dispensed therein.

The example timeline <NUM> also includes a wash at point D <NUM>. In the example analyzer <NUM>, the wash zone <NUM> washes reaction vessels at point D. As mentioned above, some reactions may occur over <NUM> full rotations. After the <NUM>th rotation, the reaction is to be washed out of the reaction vessel. Therefore, the wash begins at T6, which may be, for example, the time or lockstep at which the first reaction vessel has completed its full <NUM> rotation testing. The wash <NUM> continues to wash each vessel until T11, which may be, for example, when the last reaction completes its <NUM> rotation test.

The functions illustrated in <FIG> may operate simultaneously as the reaction carousel rotates, and different timing sequencing may be determined based on the types of tests to be conducted and the types of procedures to be performed. In addition, the functions may operate continually. For example, if a first reaction vessel is washed at T7, sample may be dispensed into that first reaction vessel at T8 for a subsequent test, and the remaining functions also may continue.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an example processor platform <NUM> capable of executing the one or more instructions of <FIG> to implement one or more portions of the apparatus and/or systems of <FIG>. The processor platform <NUM> can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a mobile device (e.g., a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet such as an iPad™), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, and/or or any other type of computing device.

The input device(s) <NUM> permit(s) a user to enter data and commands into the processor <NUM>.

The output devices <NUM> can be implemented, for example, by display devices (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a touchscreen, a tactile output device and/or a light emitting diode (LED). The interface circuit <NUM> of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip or a graphics driver processor.

Coded instructions <NUM> to implement the method of <FIG> may be stored in the mass storage device <NUM>, in the volatile memory <NUM>, in the non-volatile memory <NUM>, and/or on a removable tangible computer readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

The example analyzers <NUM> and <NUM> described herein locate a first carousel beneath a second carousel, thereby reducing the footprint (e.g., width and length dimensions) of the analyzer. The example analyzers <NUM> and <NUM> also locate pipetting mechanisms within the dimensions of the first and/or second carousel to reduce the footprint and distance traveled by the pipetting mechanisms. Additionally, by reducing the footprint of the analyzer, the carousels may be relatively wider (e.g., having a greater diameter) and/or high and, thus, include more containers (e.g., reagents) to perform more tests.

Claim 1:
A method for reducing a footprint of an automated diagnostic analyzer, the method comprising:
providing a base (<NUM>);
rotatably coupling a first carousel (<NUM>) to the base (<NUM>), the first carousel (<NUM>) having a first diameter (<NUM>);
positioning a second carousel (<NUM>) vertically spaced over the first carousel (<NUM>) such that at least a portion of the second carousel (<NUM>) is disposed over the first carousel (<NUM>), the second carousel (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the base (<NUM>); and
positioning a rotatable pipetting mechanism (<NUM>) to access the first carousel (<NUM>) for aspiration of a fluid from a container on the first carousel (<NUM>) and to access the second carousel (<NUM>) for dispersion of the fluid into a vessel on the second carousel (<NUM>), the pipetting mechanism (<NUM>) rotatable about an axis of rotation that is disposed within a circumference of the first carousel (<NUM>).