Patent ID: 7208124

Claim:
An automated spotting or picking process using a robot that comprises a single xyz positioning apparatus comprising x- y- and z-positioners for moving a head attached to it around the robot, wherein heads can be clamped to and released from the xyz positioning apparatus in an automated manner by an attachment mechanism, the process comprising the steps of: (a) performing spotting or picking using a first pin head attached to the xyz positioning apparatus; (b) depositing the first pin head from the xyz positioning apparatus into a parking bay of an automated washing and drying apparatus for it to be cleaned in the automated washing and drying apparatus without involvement of the xyz positioning apparatus; (c) cleaning the first pin head in the automated washing and drying apparatus without involvement of the xyz positioning apparatus; (d) picking up a second pin head that is clean with the xyz positioning apparatus; (e) performing spotting or picking with the second pin head attached to the xyz positioning apparatus; (f) depositing the second pin head from the xyz positioning apparatus into the parking bay of the automated washing and drying apparatus for it to be cleaned in the automated washing and drying apparatus without the involvement of the xyz positioning apparatus; (g) cleaning the second pin head in the automated washing and drying apparatus without involvement of the xyz positioning apparatus; (h) picking up the first pin head that has been cleaned in the automated washing and drying apparatus with the xyz positioning apparatus; (i) performing spotting or picking with the first pin head attached to the xyz positioning apparatus; and (j) repeatedly carrying out (b) to (i).