Patent ID: 7641855

Claim:
A system for directly re-supplying a sample aliquot contained in an aliquot array to an analyzer for testing without operator intervention, wherein the re-supplying system comprises: an analyzer having a number of aliquot array sampling tracks; at least one aliquot array disposed within one of said aliquot array sampling tracks; an aliquoting probe proximate said sampling tracks and comprising aspiration means for aspirating aliquot sample portions from an original patient sample container and dispensing at least one aliquot sample portion into said at least one aliquot array; an aliquot array handling unit disposed proximate a first end of said sampling tracks and comprising at least one aliquot array inventory shaft sized for containing aliquot arrays therein; at least one aliquot array storage rack disposed proximate a second end of said sampling tracks and comprising a number of aliquot array storage shafts, each shaft having a spaced apart vertical array of a plurality of slots, each slot sized to support one aliquot array; drive motors positioned proximate said sampling tracks for removing the aliquot array from said at least one aliquot array inventory shaft, moving the aliquot array along one of said sampling tracks, and placing the aliquot array into one of said slots in the aliquot array storage rack; an environmentally controlled chamber disposed proximate said aliquot array sampling tracks and comprising a rotatable carousel therein, the carousel adapted for storing said aliquot array storage rack; and elevation means disposed above said chamber and having a motor for placing said aliquot array storage rack into said carousel and removing said aliquot array storage rack from said carousel.