초록 ▼

The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic processing a biological sample on a carrier, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the

The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic processing a biological sample on a carrier, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system using a sample process parameter input that may be independent and an independent process parameter memory that does not interrupt process operation when being used, such that samples may be added or removed without interrupting the processing of other samples. Also included is an image capture function for sample and reagent identification and process monitoring, as well as temperature regulation and environmental control functions.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for automated processing of a plurality of biological samples on sample carriers having respective identifications, the processing of each sample being conducted according to a respective sequence of protocol steps, said apparatus comprising:a frame;a plurality of

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for automated processing of a plurality of biological samples on sample carriers having respective identifications, the processing of each sample being conducted according to a respective sequence of protocol steps, said apparatus comprising:a frame;a plurality of drawers within the frame, each drawer comprising a respective carrier rack for supporting at least one carrier; anda robotic reagent dispensing head within the frame that performs ongoing robotic processing, including dispensing of reagents, according to the protocol steps; anda sensor for reading the identifications,wherein a first sample, in a first drawer, for which the processing is completed may be removed from the apparatus without interrupting the ongoing robotic processing of a second sample in a second drawer, andwherein a second sample, in a second drawer, may be inserted into the apparatus without interrupting the dispensing of reagents onto a first sample, in a first drawer, with the robotic reagent dispensing head.