Abstract: An analyzer system for in vitro diagnostics includes a sample handler module having a robot arm that delivers samples from drawers into carriers on a linear synchronous motor automation track. Samples are delivered via the automation track to individual track sections associated with individual analyzer modules. Analyzer modules aspirate sample portions directly from the sample carriers and perform analysis thereon.

Abstract: An analyzer system for in vitro diagnostics includes a sample handler module having a robot arm that delivers samples from drawers into carriers on a linear synchronous motor automation track. Samples are delivered via the automation track to individual track sections associated with individual analyzer modules. Analyzer modules aspirate sample portions directly from the sample carriers and perform analysis thereon.

Abstract: An analyzer system for in vitro diagnostics includes a sample handler module having a robot arm that delivers samples from drawers into carriers on a linear synchronous motor automation track. Samples are delivered via the automation track to individual track sections associated with individual analyzer modules. Analyzer modules aspirate sample portions directly from the sample carriers and perform analysis thereon.

Abstract: An environmental control system for use in a clinical analyzer module includes an upper deck environmental subsystem comprising a far field sensor, one or more heaters, one or more spine cooling fans, and one or more in-line fluid heat exchangers. The far field sensor is configured to acquire measurements of ambient temperature in the upper deck environmental subsystem. The heaters are configured to generate hot airflow based on the measurements of ambient temperature from the far field sensor. The spine cooling fans are configured to operate in a manner that mixes the hot airflow from the heaters with cool airflow based on the measurements of ambient temperature from the far field sensor. The in-line fluid heat exchangers are configured to heat fluids used in reactions performed on the clinical analyzer module to a constant temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of enabling enhanced, selective agitation of liquid containing a solid-phase reagent. The apparatus includes at least one liquid-bearing container, a circular tray, and a motor. The liquid-bearing container(s) includes at least one internal baffle that imparts turbulent agitation to the liquid when flowing from one end of the container to an opposite end. The circular tray is adapted for selective rotation about a vertical axis of rotation. The rotary circular tray assembly includes container-receiving stations that selectively retain a respective liquid-bearing container in an inclined or pitched orientation with respect to a horizontal plane. The motor creates centrifugal force, which causes liquid in the container(s) to travel from the first end of the container to the second end of the container via the internal baffle(s), agitating the liquid and the solid-phase portions of the reagent.

Abstract: Clinical analyzers including cuvette loading assemblies are described. A clinical analyzer includes a first location and a second location. A chute extends between the first location and the second location, wherein the chute is configured to enable cuvettes to slide from the first location to the second location. The clinical analyzer includes a loading assembly including two gates, each moveable between a first position where cuvettes are enabled to slide along the chute and a second position where cuvettes are blocked from sliding along the chute. Methods of transporting cuvettes in a clinical analyzer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction vessel handling apparatus adapted for use in a biological fluid testing apparatus. The reaction vessel handling apparatus includes an incubation member and wash member that are overlapping. A transfer device transfers reaction vessels between the incubation member and wash member at the overlapping portions. Incubation and wash members may be rings. Testing apparatus (e.g., immunoassay apparatus or clinical analyzer apparatus) including the reaction vessel handling apparatus and methods of operating the apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An environmental control system for use in a clinical analyzer module includes an upper deck environmental subsystem comprising a far field sensor, one or more heaters, one or more spine cooling fans, and one or more in-line fluid heat exchangers. The far field sensor is configured to acquire measurements of ambient temperature in the upper deck environmental subsystem. The heaters are configured to generate hot airflow based on the measurements of ambient temperature from the far field sensor. The spine cooling fans are configured to operate in a manner that mixes the hot airflow from the heaters with cool airflow based on the measurements of ambient temperature from the far field sensor. The in-line fluid heat exchangers are configured to heat fluids used in reactions performed on the clinical analyzer module to a constant temperature.

Abstract: A clam-shell luminometer that, when closed, completely encloses an assay reaction mixture-containing reaction vessel and some portion of a reaction carousel or ring. The luminometer includes first and second portions that are coupled to each other, a photomultiplier tube, and plural fiber optic bundles that are optically coupled to the photomultiplier tube. First ends of the fiber optic bundles are disposed adjacent to the reaction vessel in the second portion so that the fiber optic bundles completely surround the perimeter or periphery of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction vessel handling apparatus adapted for use in a biological fluid testing apparatus. The reaction vessel handling apparatus includes an incubation member and wash member that are overlapping. A transfer device transfers reaction vessels between the incubation member and wash member at the overlapping portions. Incubation and wash members may be rings. Testing apparatus (e.g., immunoassay apparatus or clinical analyzer apparatus) including the reaction vessel handling apparatus and methods of operating the apparatus are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A clam-shell luminometer that, when closed, completely encloses an assay reaction mixture-containing reaction vessel and some portion of a reaction carousel or ring. The luminometer includes first and second portions that are coupled to each other, a photomultiplier tube, and plural fiber optic bundles that are optically coupled to the photomultiplier tube. First ends of the fiber optic bundles are disposed adjacent to the reaction vessel in the second portion so that the fiber optic bundles completely surround the perimeter or periphery of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of enabling enhanced, selective agitation of liquid containing a solid-phase reagent. The apparatus includes at least one liquid-bearing container, a circular tray, and a motor. The liquid-bearing container(s) includes at least one internal baffle that imparts turbulent agitation to the liquid when flowing from one end of the container to an opposite end. The circular tray is adapted for selective rotation about a vertical axis of rotation. The rotary circular tray assembly includes container-receiving stations that selectively retain a respective liquid-bearing container in an inclined or pitched orientation with respect to a horizontal plane. The motor creates centrifugal force, which causes liquid in the container(s) to travel from the first end of the container to the second end of the container via the internal baffle(s), agitating the liquid and the solid-phase portions of the reagent.

Abstract: A method for feeding containers into an analytical instrument whereby a sample handler moves and positions racks, containing sample tubes, into, within and out of the analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. The racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The cross-feed moves the racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: Racks having sample containers mounted therein are transported within an analytical system so that a robotic arm can remove the sample containers and deliver them to a desired location within the system. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. Sample tube racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The cross-feed comprises a movable track having a platform mounted thereto. The cross-feed moves the sample tube racks from a position behind the in-feed to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: A method whereby a sample handler moves and positions racks, containing sample tubes, in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. The racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The racks and tubes contained thereon are moved past detection devices that identify the samples and measure various properties thereof. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: A sample handler moves and positions sample tube racks in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. Sample tube racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The cross-feed comprises a movable track having a platform mounted thereto. The platform includes spring loaded gripper fingers that engages and secures the sample tube rack to the platform. The cross-feed moves the sample tube racks to a point where they are accessed by the analytical instrument. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the sample tube racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: A method whereby a sample handler moves and positions racks, containing sample tubes, in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. The racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The racks and tubes contained thereon are moved past detection devices that identify the samples and measure various properties thereof. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: A sample handler moves and positions racks, containing sample tubes, in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. The racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The racks and tubes contained thereon are moved past detection devices that identify the samples and measure various properties thereof. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: Racks having sample containers mounted therein are transported within an analytical system so that a robotic arm can remove the sample containers and deliver them to a desired location within the system. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. Sample tube racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The cross-feed comprises a movable track having a platform mounted thereto. The cross-feed moves the sample tube racks from a position behind the in-feed to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.

Abstract: A robotic arm has a pair of gripper fingers designed to grip a variety of containers, including capped and uncapped test tubes as well as containers having unique gripping means. The fingers each have upper and lower projections separated by a groove, the respective projections facing each other when mounted to grippers on the robotic arm. The projections and groove serve to firmly hold the containers as well as self-align the unique gripping means on initially unaligned containers within the fingers as the fingers close around the containers. The fingers have clearance to avoid contact with caps on capped test tubes. Stops are provided at the top of each finger to engage one another and prevent fully closed fingers from deforming. The robotic arm may be transported along a rail mounted above the instrument and a gripper assembly, having a gripper arm, mounted to the robotic arm may be rotated above the instrument to move the container to various locations within the instrument.