Patent ID: 12228583

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 956 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. In some examples, the example first pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first diameter and the second 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 90° 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 180° 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. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first diameter and within the second 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 90° 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 180° 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 analyzer100is shown in partially exploded viewsFIGS.1and3, and an assembled example analyzer100is shown inFIGS.2and4. The example analyzer100includes a first carousel102and a second carousel104. As shown inFIGS.2and4, the first carousel102and the second carousel104are rotatably coupled to a base station106independent of each other. The base station106houses 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 inFIGS.1-4, the second carousel104is vertically spaced above the first carousel102, and at least a portion of the second carousel104is disposed over (e.g., above, on top of) the first carousel102. In the illustrated examples, the first carousel102is a reagent carousel and the second carousel104is a reaction vessel carousel. The first carousel102is to support multiple reagent containers that may store one or more type(s) of reagent(s). The second carousel104is used for conducting tests on samples. However, in other examples, either of the first and/or second carousels102,104may hold reagents, samples, reaction vessels or any combination thereof.

In view of the example analyzer100shown inFIG.1, the base station106and other components have been removed for a clear view of the first carousel102and the second carousel104. In the example shown, the first carousel102includes a plate having a plurality of slots103a-n. In the example shown, the first carousel102has a bore105(e.g., an opening, an aperture, a hole, etc.). In other examples the first carousel102may be continuous such that the first carousel102does not have a bore. In the example, shown, each of the slots103a-nis to hold one or more containers or a container carrier having one or more containers. In the example shown, the second carousel104is housed within a casing107. In some examples, the second carousel104is 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 carousel104is disposed within the casing107to prevent light from interfering with the readings.

FIG.2shows a plan view of the example analyzer100. In the example, the first carousel102has an outer annular array of containers108a-nthat travel along a first annular path109and an inner annular array of containers110a-nthat travel a second annular path111. The outer annular array of containers108a-nand the inner annular array of containers110a-nare 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 containers108a-nmay contain, for example, a first type of a reagent and the inner annular array of containers110a-nmay 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 arrays108a-n,110a-nmay be different among the different cartridges within that array.

In some examples, the first carousel102has more than two annular arrays of containers (e.g., three, four or more) spaced radially apart from one another on the first carousel102. In some examples, the containers are disposed in carriers that are loaded into the slots103a-nof the first carousel102. In some examples, each of the carriers may container one, two, three, four or more containers and, when disposed on the first carousel102, define the annular arrays of containers. In some examples, the first carousel102includes 72 slots103a-nto receive up to 72 carriers. In other examples, the first carousel102may include 45 slots103a-nto receive up to 45 carriers. In some examples, each carrier (e.g., a kit) includes a volume of testing liquid (e.g., reagent) to supply or support about 50 to about 1700 tests. Other examples include different numbers of slots, different numbers of carriers and different volumes of testing liquids.

In the example shown, the second carousel104has a plurality of reaction vessels112a-ndisposed around an outer circumference of the second carousel104. In the example shown, the reaction vessels112a-nare reusable cuvettes (e.g., washable glass cuvettes). After a test has been completed in one of the reaction vessels112a-n, the vessel112a-nis cleaned (e.g., sterilized), and the vessel112a-nmay be used for another test. However, in other examples, the reaction vessels112a-nare disposable cuvettes (e.g., plastic cuvettes) that are discarded after one or more tests. In some examples, the second carousel104includes an unloading mechanism113(e.g., a passive unloader or an active unloader) for removing the reaction vessels112a-n(e.g., disposable cuvettes) from the second carousel104. In some examples, the unloading mechanism113is positioned such that when one of the reaction vessels112a-nis unloaded from the second carousel104, the unloaded reaction vessel112a-nfalls through the bore105of the first carousel102and into a waste container or other receptacle disposed within the base station106. In some examples, the second carousel104includes more than one unloading mechanism, and the unloading mechanisms may be disposed in other locations around the second carousel104.

FIG.3illustrates a front side view of the first carousel102and the second carousel104without the base station and other components. As shown, the first carousel102rotates about a first axis114and the second carousel104rotates about a second axis116. In the illustrated example, the first axis114and the second axis116are substantially parallel and offset from each other. However, in other examples, the second carousel104is disposed over the center of the first carousel102such that the first axis114and the second axis116are substantially coaxially aligned (e.g., the first carousel102and the second carousel104are concentric).

As illustrated more clearly inFIG.2, the first carousel102has a first diameter118and the second carousel104has a second diameter120. In the example shown, the second diameter120is less than the first diameter118. However, in other examples, the second diameter120is the same as or larger than the first diameter118. The second carousel104includes a bore122such that the second carousel forms a ring-like (e.g., annular) rack for the vessels112a-n. As shown in this example, the second carousel104(e.g., the top carousel) is completely disposed above and over the first diameter118of the first carousel102. In other examples, only a portion of the second diameter120is positioned above the first diameter118.

In the example shown inFIG.4, the first carousel102is rotatably coupled to a top124of the base station106. The analyzer100includes a first motor125(e.g., a stepper motor or a servo motor) to rotate the first carousel102on the top124of base station106. In the example shown, the analyzer100also includes a platform126(e.g., a plate, a mounting surface, a shield) mounted to the base station106via a plurality of legs128a,128band disposed between the first carousel102and the second carousel104. In other examples, the platform126may be mounted to the base station106with other fasteners. The platform126defines a partition or barrier between the first carousel102and the second carousel104. In the example shown, the second carousel104is rotatably mounted to the platform126. However, in other examples, the second carousel104may be rotatably supported on the base station106without the mounting platform126. The second carousel104is rotated via a second motor127(e.g., a stepper motor or a servo motor). In the example shown, the first and second carousels102,104may 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 inFIGS.1-4, the analyzer100includes a first pipetting mechanism130that is coupled (e.g., mounted) to the platform126. The first pipetting mechanism130is coupled to the platform126above the first carousel102and within the bore122of the second carousel104(i.e., within the first diameter118of the first carousel102and within the second diameter120of the second carousel104). In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism130is offset from the second axis116(e.g., the center of the second carousel104). However, in other examples the first pipetting mechanism130is aligned with the second axis116. The first pipetting mechanism130has multiple degrees of freedom. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism130has a first probe arm132that moves in a first path of travel (e.g., along a horizontal arc)134and aspirates/dispenses fluid through a first pipette136located at a distal end of the first probe arm132. The first pipetting mechanism130is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

As illustrated inFIG.2, the first pipetting mechanism130accesses containers on the first carousel102through a first access port138, which may be for example, an opening, an aperture, a hole, a gap, etc. formed in the platform126. In operation, the first pipetting mechanism130moves the first probe arm132along the first path of travel134(e.g., rotates or pivots clockwise) until the first pipette136is aligned above the first access port138. The first path of travel134may be circular, semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The first pipetting mechanism130then moves vertically downward until the first pipette136accesses a container on the first carousel102to aspirate/dispense liquid (including, for example, microparticles contained in the liquid) from the container. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism130and the first access port138are positioned to allow the first pipetting mechanism130to aspirate from a container disposed on the first carousel102below the first access port138. The first carousel102holds the outer annular array of containers108a-nand the inner annular array of containers110a-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 mechanism130is positioned (e.g., aligned) to aspirate fluid from a container of the inner annular array of containers110a-non the first carousel102. As shown, the inner annular array of containers110a-nrotate along the second annular path111, which intersects with the first access port138and, thus, the second path of travel134. 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 port138to illustrate the interaction of the containers, the first access port138and/or the first path of travel134.

After aspirating fluid from the appropriate container on the first carousel102, the first pipetting mechanism130moves vertically upward and moves the first probe arm132along the first path of travel134(e.g., rotates or pivots clockwise) until the first pipette136is at point A, at which point the first pipette136is aligned vertically over one of the plurality of vessels112a-non the second carousel104. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism130dispenses the liquid (e.g., the liquid including any microparticles aspirated from a container on the first carousel102) into the vessel112a-non the second carousel104at this position (e.g., the height at which the first pipette136travels along the first path of travel134). In other examples, the first pipetting mechanism130moves vertically downward toward the second carousel104and dispenses the liquid into the vessel112a-non the second carousel104. In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism130has only one access point, the first access port138, for accessing containers on the first carousel102disposed below. However, in other examples, the platform126includes multiple access ports along the first path of travel134such that the first pipette136can access additional areas on the first carousel102. 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 carousel102at different radial distances (e.g., along the slots103shown inFIG.1) and, thus, multiple access points along the first path of travel134allow the first pipetting mechanism130to access these containers as needed and/or desired.

In the example shown, the analyzer100includes a second pipetting mechanism140that is coupled (e.g., mounted) to the platform126. The second pipetting mechanism140is coupled to the platform126above the first carousel102and next to (e.g., adjacent) the second carousel104(i.e., within the first diameter118of the first carousel102and outside of the second diameter120of the second carousel104). In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism140is offset from the first axis114of the first carousel102. However, in other examples, the second pipetting mechanism140is aligned with the first axis114of rotation. The second pipetting mechanism140has multiple degrees of freedom. In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism140has a second probe arm142that moves along a second path of travel144(e.g., rotates or pivots along a horizontal arc) to aspirate/dispense fluid through a second pipette146disposed at a distal end of the second probe arm142. The second path of travel144may be circular, semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The second pipetting mechanism140is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism140accesses containers on the first carousel102through a second access port148formed in the platform126. In operation, the second pipetting mechanism140moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the second probe arm142along the second path of travel144until the second pipette146is aligned above the second access port148. The second pipetting mechanism140then moves vertically downward for the second pipette146to access a container on the first carousel102. In the example shown, the second pipetting mechanism140and the second access port148are positioned to allow the second pipetting mechanism to aspirate from a container disposed on the first carousel102below the second access port148. As mentioned above, the first carousel102includes the outer annular array of containers108a-nand the inner annular array of containers110a-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 mechanism140is positioned (e.g., aligned) to aspirate liquid including any microparticles from the outer annular array of containers108a-non the first carousel102. As shown, the outer annular array of containers108a-nrotate along the first annular path109, which intersects with the second access port148and, thus, the second path of travel144. 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 port148to illustrate the interaction of the containers, the second access port148and/or the second path of travel144.

After aspirating liquid and any associated microparticles from the appropriate container on the first carousel102, the second pipetting mechanism140moves vertically upward and moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the second probe arm142counter-clockwise along the second path of travel144until the second pipette146is at point B, at which point the second pipette146is aligned vertically over one of the plurality of vessels112a-non the second carousel104. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism140dispenses the liquid (e.g., the liquid including any microparticles aspirated from a container on the first carousel102) into the vessel112a-non the second carousel104at this position (e.g., the height at which the second pipette146travels along the second path of travel144). In other examples, the second pipetting mechanism140moves vertically downward toward the second carousel104and dispenses the liquid into the vessel112a-non the second carousel104. In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism140has one access point, the second access port148, for accessing containers on the second carousel104disposed below. However, in other examples, the platform126includes multiple access ports along the second path of travel144such that the second pipette146can access additional areas on the first carousel102. 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 carousel102at different radial distances and, thus, multiple access points along the second path of travel144will allow the second pipetting mechanism140to access the containers as needed.

In the illustrated examples, the analyzer100includes a third pipetting mechanism150. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism150is coupled to the platform126. In other examples, the third pipetting mechanism150may be coupled to the top124of the base station106. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism150is disposed outside of the first diameter118of the first carousel102and outside of the second diameter120of the second carousel104. However, in other examples, the third pipetting mechanism150is disposed within the first diameter118of the first carousel102. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism150is mounted at a level above the first carousel102. Specifically, the third pipetting mechanism150is mounted to the platform126above the first carousel102.

The third pipetting mechanism150has multiple degrees of freedom. In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism150has a third probe arm152that rotates along a third path of travel154(e.g., a horizontal arc) to aspirate/dispense liquid (e.g., a sample) through a third pipette156at a distal end of the third probe arm152. The third path of travel154may be circular, semicircular, linear or a combination thereof. The third pipetting mechanism150is also movable in the Z direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

In the example shown, the third pipetting mechanism150may be used, for example, to dispense a sample (e.g., a test sample or a specimen) into one or more of the vessels112a-non the second carousel104. In some examples, test samples are aspirated from sample containers (which may be in carriers) along the third path of travel154of the third pipetting mechanism150. In some examples, test samples are transported to the rear of the analyzer100via a transporter or a positioner, and the third probe arm152moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) along the third path of travel154to align the third pipetting mechanism150above the sample tubes. After aspirating a sample from a sample tube, the third pipetting mechanism150moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the third probe arm152along the third path of travel154until the third pipette156is at point C, where the third pipette156is vertically aligned above one of the reaction vessels112a-non the second carousel104. The third pipetting mechanism150moves vertically downward toward the second carousel104and dispenses the sample into one of the vessels112a-non the second carousel104.

In the example shown, three pipetting mechanisms130,140,150are 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 vessels112a-non the second carousel104. 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 mechanism150, the third pipetting mechanism150can 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 mechanisms130,140,150may aspirate from multiple sources and dispense into multiple locations (e.g., containers and vessels) along their respective paths of travel.

In the example analyzer100shown inFIGS.1-4, the first and second pipetting mechanisms130,140have a larger Z direction range (e.g., a vertical range or stroke) than pipetting mechanisms in known analyzers, because the first and second pipetting mechanisms130,140is to access the containers108a-n,110a-non the first carousel102at a lower level and the vessels112a-non the second carousel104at a higher level. Thus, in some examples, the height (e.g., the vertical position of the tip of the pipette136,146) at which the pipettes136,146aspirate liquid from the containers108a-n,110a-non the first carousel102is different than the height at which the pipettes136,146dispense liquid into the vessels112a-n. The example pipette136,146tips are positioned at a first height to access the containers108a-n,110a-non the first carousel102and a second height to access the vessels112a-non the first carousel102, the first height being lower (e.g., closer to the base106) than the second height. In some examples, each of the probe arms132,142includes a downward or vertically descending portion133,143to allow the pipetting mechanisms130,140to incorporate a standard sized pipette or probe. In such examples, the downward portion133,143of the probe arms132,142displaces the pipettes or probes further from the probe arms132,142to ensure the pipettes have access into the containers108a-n,110a-non the first carousel102. With the downward portions133,143, the pipettes are able to access the bottom of the containers108a-n,110a-non the first carousel102without, for example, the platform126blocking a downward or vertical descent of the probe arms132,142. 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 arms132,142,152and/or the length of the paths of travel134,144,154are 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 mechanisms130,140,150because the respective pipettes136,146,156are closer to the base of the respective pipetting mechanisms130,140,150and, thus, are closer to the center of mass and are sturdier. The sturdier probes arms132,142,152enable the example pipetting mechanisms130,140,150to operate with greater accuracy. The example pipetting mechanisms130,140,150may also operate with greater speed because there is no need to wait for vibrations to dampen or otherwise subside before operation of the pipetting mechanisms130,140,150. In the example shown, the first, second and third pipetting mechanisms130,140,150include respective base assemblies135,145,155. In some examples, the base assemblies135,145,155include drive components and other actuating components to move the first, second and third probe arms132,142,152in the Z direction.

Although the first and second carousels102,104are 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 carousel102and/or the second carousel104includes reagents, reaction vessels and/or samples. Thus, the first carousel102may be a reaction carousel including a plurality of reaction vessels, and the second carousel104may 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 analyzer100also 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 inFIG.2, the example analyzer100includes a reader158, a plurality of mixers160a-d, and a wash station162for cleaning the reaction vessels. In some examples, the reaction vessels112a-nare cleaned at the wash station162at point D. In some examples, the mixers160a-d(e.g., in-track vortexers (ITV)) are coupled to the platform126disposed between the first carousel102and the second carousel104, which may, for example, dampen the vibrating effects of the mixers160a-dand reduce the influence they have on the pipetting mechanisms130,140,150and other components of the analyzer100. In some examples, the mixers160a-dare disposed beneath the vessels112a-non the second carousel104. In some examples, the analyzer100includes one or more wash zones coupled to the platform126and disposed along the first, second and/or third paths of travel134,144,154. In some examples, the pipettes136,146,156are cleaned between aspirating/dispensing functions in the wash zones.

In the example shown, the first and second carousels102,104rotate 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 carousels102,104may have different lockstep times and rotational degrees that are traversed during the advancement step. In the example shown, the second carousel104has total a lockstep time (the combination of an advancement step and a stop step) of about four seconds (i.e., the second carousel104rotates incrementally to a different position about every four seconds). During the advancement step of the lockstep, the second carousel104rotates about 90° (e.g., about a quarter turn). In other examples, the second carousel104may 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 carousel104rotates about 1° to about 15° during the advancement step of the lockstep. In other examples, the second carousel rotates about 15° to about 90° 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 carousel104may 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 mechanisms130,140,150are aspirating and/or dispensing liquids (e.g., simultaneously or in sequence), including any microparticles contained therein, and other functional modules are operating around the carousels102,104. Some of the functional modules such as, for example, the reader158, also operate during the advancement step of a lockstep. Additionally or alternatively, the reader158operates during the stop step of a lockstep.

In some examples, the first carousel102has a lockstep time of about two seconds. For each lockstep, the first carousel102rotates 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 carousel102is half of the lockstep time for the second carousel104so that the first carousel102may be repositioned during one lockstep of the second carousel104, and a second reagent can be aspirated from the first carousel102and dispensed into the second carousel104during one lockstep of second carousel104. For example, a first reagent container on the outer annular array of containers108a-nand a second reagent container on the inner annular array of container110a-nmay be on the same radial slot103a-non the first carousel102. In this example, if both reagents are to be used during a single lockstep of the second carousel104, during the first lockstep for the first carousel102, the second pipetting mechanism140may aspirate a reagent from the outer annular array of containers108a-n. After the second pipette146has left the container, the first carousel102rotates to its second lockstep position so that the first pipetting mechanism130can aspirate its desired reagent from the inner annular array of container110a-nduring the same lockstep of the second carousel104. In some examples, depending on the location of the pipetting mechanisms, the first carousel102is rotated approximately 180° 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 mechanisms130,140can aspirate from containers in any of the slots103a-nof the first carousel102in one lockstep of the second carousel104. In addition, in some examples, the first and second pipetting mechanisms130,140may interact with the first carousel102during the stop step portion of the lockstep of the first carousel102while the second carousel104rotates in the advancement step of the lockstep of the second carousel104.

FIG.5illustrates an example analyzer500with an alternative configuration of carousels and pipetting mechanisms. In this example, the analyzer500includes a first carousel502and a second carousel504that are each rotatably coupled to a base506. The second carousel504is disposed above and over the first carousel502. The first carousel502may be, for example, a reagent carousel having a plurality of reagent containers and the second carousel504may be, for example, a reaction carousel having a plurality of reaction vessels.

In the example shown, the first carousel502has an outer annular section508for containers and an inner annular section510for containers. In some examples, containers on the outer annular section508may 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 section510may 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 carousel502has a first bore512and a first diameter514, and the second carousel504has a second bore516and a second diameter518. In this example, a center of the second carousel504is offset from a center of the first carousel502and within the first diameter516(i.e., the second carousel504is disposed vertically above the first carousel502and positioned within the outer bounds of the first carousel502).

The analyzer500includes a first pipetting mechanism520disposed within the first diameter514of the first carousel502and within the second diameter518of the second carousel504. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism520is also disposed within the first bore512of the first carousel502and the second bore516of the second carousel504. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism520is mounted to the base506. In other examples, the first pipetting mechanism520is mounted to a platform disposed between the first carousel502and the second carousel504. In the example shown, the first pipetting mechanism520moves 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 motion522. The first probe arm radius522is capable of extending over a portion of the inner annular section510of the first carousel502and over a portion of the second carousel504such that the first pipetting mechanism520is able to aspirate/dispense from/to containers or vessels disposed on the inner annular section510of the first carousel502and/or containers or vessels on disposed on the second carousel504. Thus, the first pipetting mechanism520may be used, for example, to aspirate a reagent from a container on the first carousel502and dispense the reagent into a reaction vessel on the second carousel504.

The analyzer500includes a second pipetting mechanism524disposed outside the first diameter514of the first carousel502and outside of the second diameter518of the second carousel504. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism524is mounted to the base506. In other examples, the second pipetting mechanism is mounted to a platform disposed between the first carousel502and the second carousel504. The second pipetting mechanism524moves 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 motion526. As shown, the second probe arm radius526extends over a portion of the outer annular section508of the first carousel502and a portion of the second carousel504such that the second pipetting mechanism524is able to aspirate/dispense from/to containers or vessels disposed on the outer annular section508of the first carousel502and/or containers or vessels on disposed on the second carousel504. Thus, the second pipetting mechanism524may be used, for example, to aspirate a reagent from a container on the first carousel502and dispense the reagent into a reaction vessel on the second carousel504.

The example analyzer500includes a third pipetting mechanism528disposed outside the first diameter514of the first carousel502and outside of the second diameter518of the second carousel504. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism528is mounted to the base506. In other examples, the third pipetting mechanism528is mounted to a platform disposed between the first carousel502and the second carousel504. The third pipetting mechanism528moves in the Z direction (e.g., vertically) and rotates or otherwise moved to aspirate/dispense fluid within a third probe arm radius530. As shown, the third probe arm radius or range of motion530extends over a portion of the outer annular section508of the first carousel502, a portion of the second carousel504, and a region outside of the base506of the analyzer500. The third pipetting mechanism528may be used, for example, to aspirate sample from a test sample tube disposed outside of the base506(e.g., from another portion of the analyzer500) and to dispense the sample into a container or vessel on the second carousel504.

In the example shown, the inner annular section510and the outer annular section508are formed in the same carousel502and, thus, rotate together. However, in other examples, the inner annular section510and the outer annular section508may be separate carousels that are independently rotatable in either direction.

As shown, the first, second and third pipetting mechanisms520,524,528are disposed within the first and second diameters514,518and/or in the corners of the base506. In addition, the first carousel502and second carousel504are stacked. Thus, the footprint of the example analyzer500is less than an analyzer with coplanar carousels.

FIG.6is a block diagram of an example processing system600for use with an automated diagnostic analyzer such as, for example, the analyzers100,500disclosed above. The example processing system600includes a station/instrument controller602, which controls the instruments and mechanisms used during a diagnostic test. In the example shown, the station/instrument controller602is communicatively coupled to instruments604a-n. The instruments604a-nmay include, for example, components of the example analyzer100disclosed above including the first pipetting mechanism130, the second pipetting mechanism140, the third pipetting mechanism150, the ITVs160a-d, the wash zone162and/or the reader158. The example processing system600includes an example processor606that operates the station/instrument controller602and, thus, the instruments604a-nin accordance with a schedule or testing protocol as disclosed herein.

The example processing system600also includes a carousel controller608, which controls one or more carousels of the analyzer. In the example shown, the carousel controller608is communicatively coupled to a first carousel610and a second carousel612. The first carousel610and the second carousel612may correspond, for example, to the first and second carousels102,104disclosed above in connection with the example analyzer100. The carousel controller608controls the rotation of the first and second carousels610,612, such as, for example, using a motor (e.g., the motors125,127disclosed in connection with the analyzer100). Also, the example processor606operates the carousel controller608and, thus, the carousels610,612in accordance with a schedule or testing protocol.

The example processing system600also includes a database614that may store information related to the operation of the example system600. 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 system600also includes a user interface such as, for example, a graphical user interface (GUI)616. An operator or technician interacts with the processing system600and, thus, the analyzer100,500via the interface616to 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 interface616may 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 components602,606,608,614are communicatively coupled to other components of the example system600via communication links618. The communication links618may 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 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.). Also, the components of the example system600may be integrated in one device or distributed over two or more devices.

While an example manner of implementing the analyzers100,500ofFIGS.1-5is illustrated inFIG.6, one or more of the elements, processes and/or devices illustrated inFIG.6may be combined, divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way. Further, the example station/instrument controller602, the example instruments604a-n, the example processor606, the example carousel controller608, the example first carousel610, the example second carousel612, the example database614, the example graphical user interface616and/or, more generally, the example processing system600ofFIG.6may 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 controller602, the example instruments604a-n, the example processor606, the example carousel controller608, the example first carousel610, the example second carousel612, the example database614, the example graphical user interface616and/or, more generally, the example processing system600could 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 controller602, the example instruments604a-n, the example processor606, the example carousel controller608, the example first carousel610, the example second carousel612, the example database614and/or the example graphical user interface616is/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 system600ofFIG.6may include one or more elements, processes and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated inFIG.6, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices.

A flowchart representative of an example method700for implementing the analyzers100,500and/or the processing system600ofFIGS.1-6is shown inFIG.7. In this example, the method may be implemented as machine readable instructions comprising a program for execution by a processor such as the processor912shown in the example processor platform900discussed below in connection withFIG.9. 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 processor912, but the entire program and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor912and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Further, although the example program is described with reference to the flowchart illustrated inFIG.7, many other methods of implementing the example analyzers100,500and/or processing system600may 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 process700ofFIG.7may 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 process700ofFIG.7may 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.7illustrates the example process700for diagnostic testing, which may be implemented, for example, by the example analyzers100,500and/or the processing system600disclosed herein. The example process700ofFIG.7is 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 process700is 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 analyzer100disclosed above includes a reaction carousel (e.g., the second carousel104) having a plurality of reaction vessels. In some examples, the reaction carousel has 187 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., 90°) 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 process700, the number of complete rotations of the reaction carousel is represented by the variable X, which is set to 0 at the beginning of the example process700, 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+1(block702). At the beginning, when a full rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero, and this is the first lockstep (i.e., lockstep(4*0)+1). In this first lockstep, a function is performed on the reaction vessel if 4X+1=N1 (block704). 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 analyzer100disclosed above, the third pipetting mechanism150is disposed near the reaction carousel104and 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 1, such that if this is the first lockstep (block704) for the reaction vessel, the function is performed (block706) (i.e., sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel) because 4X+1=N1 (e.g., (4*0)+1=1). In subsequent rotations, wherein N1 continues to be set to 1, and X is not zero, the reaction vessel is idle (block708) and, for example, no functions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or robotic mechanisms of the example analyzer100,500at this lockstep because 4X+1≠N1 (e.g., (4*1)+1≠1). 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>1) 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 process700.

The example process700includes advancing to the next lockstep (block710) 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 analyzer158) 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+2(block712). Assuming one full rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero and this is the second lockstep (i.e., lockstep(4*0)+2). During this second lockstep, a second function or test operation may be performed in connection with the reaction vessel if 4X+2=N2 (block714). 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 analyzer100disclosed above, the second pipetting mechanism140is disposed near the second carousel104and dispenses a first reagent into reaction vessels at point B. In some examples, the first carousel102includes an outer annular array of containers such as, for example, reagents used for first reagent. The second pipetting mechanism140aspirates from one of the containers on the outer annular array of containers and dispenses the liquid into a reaction vessel on the second carousel104at 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 2, such that if this is the second lockstep (block714) for the reaction vessel, the function is performed (block716), and a first reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel (block716) because 4X+2=N2 (e.g., (4*0)+2=2). If X is not zero such as, for example, during subsequent rotations, then the reaction vessel is idle (block718) and, for example, no functions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or robotic mechanisms of the example analyzer100,500at this lockstep because 4X+2≠N2 (e.g., (4*1)+2≠2). 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 process700.

The example process700includes advancing to the next lockstep (block720) 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 analyzer158) where the contents of the reaction vessels are analyzed.

The example process includes lockstep4X+3(block722). Assuming one full rotation has not yet occurred, X is zero and this is the third lockstep (i.e., lockstep(4*0)+3). During this third lockstep, a third function or test operation may be performed in connection with the reaction vessel if 4X+3=N3 (block724). 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 analyzer100disclosed above, a first pipetting mechanism130is disposed within the second diameter120of the second carousel104and is to dispense a second reagent into reaction vessels on the second carousel104point A. In some examples, the first carousel102includes an inner annular array of containers110a-nsuch as, for example, reagents used for a second reagent. The first pipetting mechanism130aspirates from one of the containers on the inner annular array of containers110a-nand 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 79, such that the reaction vessel will be at the 79thlockstep, or third lockstep of the 19throtation of a testing (i.e., X=19) 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 79 so that at the 79th lockstep (block724), the function is performed (block728) and a second reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel because 4X+3=N3 (e.g., (4*19)+3=79). If X is not 19 such as, for example, during previous rotations or subsequent rotations, then the reaction vessel is idle (block726) and, for example, no functions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or robotic mechanism of the example analyzer100,500at this lockstep because 4X+3+N3 (e.g., (4*0)+3≠79). Thus, in this example, if the function is to occur only at the 79thlockstep, i.e., the third lockstep of the 19throtation (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 process700.

The example process700includes advancing to the next lockstep (block730) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents the reaction vessels that pass the reader.

The example process includes lockstep4X+4(block732). At the beginning, when a full rotation has not occurred yet, X is zero and this is the fourth lockstep (i.e., lockstep(4*0)+4). (block732). During this fourth lockstep, another function or test operation may be performed in connection with the reaction vessel if 4X+4=N4 (block734). 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 analyzer100disclosed above, the wash zone162is 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 37 full rotations of the carousel. Therefore, N4 may be set to 152, such that when X=37, the reaction vessel is washed (block738) because 4X+4=N3 (e.g., (4*38)+4=156). If X is not 37 such as, for example, during the previous 36 rotations, then the reaction vessel is idle (block736) and, for example, no functions are performed on the reaction vessel by the operator or any robotic mechanism of the example analyzer100,500at this lockstep because 4X+4≠N4 (e.g., (4*0)+4≠156). Thus, in this example, if the function is to occur only at the 156thlockstep, i.e., the fourth lockstep of the 37throtation (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 process700.

As noted above, in some examples, if the reaction vessel is washed (block740), the process700ends (block742) 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 (block740), and the reaction carousel advances to the next lockstep (block744). The example process includes continuing with lockstep4X+1(block702), where “1” 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 (4*1)+1) (block702). This process700may 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 process700allows 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.8illustrates an example timeline800that 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 analyzers100,500disclosed above. The example analyzer100disclosed above includes the third pipetting mechanism150for dispensing sample at point C, the second pipetting mechanism140for dispensing a first reagent at point B, the first pipetting mechanism130to dispense a second reagent at point B, and the wash zone162to 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 C802. As shown, this function continues from T1 to T7. For example, if187tests are to be performed in 187 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 timeline800also includes dispensing a first reagent using the second pipetting mechanism at point B804. 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 timeline800includes reading806the 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 187 reaction vessels, about 47 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 38 reads and, thus, 38 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 38 times.

The example timeline800includes dispensing a second reagent808, 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 timeline800also includes a wash at point D810. In the example analyzer100, the wash zone162washes reaction vessels at point D. As mentioned above, some reactions may occur over 38 full rotations. After the 38throtation, 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 38 rotation testing. The wash810continues to wash each vessel until T11, which may be, for example, when the last reaction completes its 38 rotation test.

The functions illustrated inFIG.8may 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.9is a block diagram of an example processor platform900capable of executing the one or more instructions ofFIG.7to implement one or more portions of the apparatus and/or systems ofFIGS.1-6. The processor platform900can 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 processor platform900of the illustrated example includes a processor912. The processor912of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the processor912can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer.

The processor912of the illustrated example includes a local memory913(e.g., a cache). The processor912of the illustrated example is in communication with a main memory including a volatile memory814and a non-volatile memory916via a bus918. The volatile memory914may be implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM) and/or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatile memory916may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to the main memory914,916is controlled by a memory controller.

The processor platform900of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit920. The interface circuit920may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), and/or a PCI EXPRESS® interface.

In the illustrated example, one or more input devices922are connected to the interface circuit920. The input device(s)922permit(s) a user to enter data and commands into the processor912. The input device(s) can be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, a button, a mouse, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, isopoint and/or a voice recognition system.

One or more output devices924are also connected to the interface circuit920of the illustrated example. The output devices924can 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 circuit920of the illustrated example, thus, typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip or a graphics driver processor.

The interface circuit920of the illustrated example also includes a communication device such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a modem and/or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data with external machines (e.g., computing devices of any kind) via a network926(e.g., an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a telephone line, coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform900of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices928for storing software and/or data. Examples of such mass storage devices928include floppy disk drives, hard drive disks, compact disk drives, BLU-RAY™ disk drives, RAID systems, and digital versatile disk (DVD) drives.

Coded instructions932to implement the method ofFIG.7may be stored in the mass storage device928, in the volatile memory914, in the non-volatile memory916, and/or on a removable tangible computer readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

The example analyzers100and500described herein locate a first carousel beneath a second carousel, thereby reducing the footprint (e.g., width and length dimensions) of the analyzer. The example analyzers100and500also 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.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.