Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a carrier configured to hold and transport a vessel with a barcode label in an automation system in in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment, with a plurality of peripheral readers able to read the barcode label. The reading of the barcode label on the vessel loaded into the carrier is achieved without the need to align (either manually or automatically) the barcode to the peripheral readers. A dual spring arrangement provides for consistent vessel capture when loading the vessel into the carrier and for retention in the carrier during transport operations. A centrally-located spring housing provides efficient space utilization. A mirrored dual slot design is provided so that an unobstructed space for each slot is complimentary such that a completely unobstructed view of the vessel is constructed by imaging the same vessel in both slots (one after another) and fusing the resulting data.

Abstract: A system for transporting a carrier vehicle using linear motors comprising a linear motor housing shaped to hold one or more linear motors includes a rectangular top plate. A left side plate is connected adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the rectangular top plate and a right side plate is connected adjacent to a second longitudinal edge of the rectangular top plate. The linear motor housing further includes a plurality of coupling components operable to couple the linear motor housing to one or more adjacent linear motor housings in a manner that facilitates continuous propulsion of the carrier vehicle across the rectangular top plate of the linear motor housing and rectangular top plates corresponding to the one or more adjacent linear motor housings.

Abstract: A mover for a linear motor system includes a magnet subassembly. The mover includes a magnetic structure disposed on at least one side of the magnet subassembly and creating with the magnetic subassembly a resultant magnetic field. The magnetic structure being centered on a detected center of the resultant magnetic field. The mover includes a body structure mounted on or with reference to the magnetic structure to position a physical center of the body structure at approximately the detected center of the resultant magnetic field.

Abstract: A system for transporting a carrier vehicle using linear motors comprising a linear motor housing shaped to hold one or more linear motors includes a rectangular top plate. A left side plate is connected adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the rectangular top plate and a right side plate is connected adjacent to a second longitudinal edge of the rectangular top plate. The linear motor housing further includes a plurality of coupling components operable to couple the linear motor housing to one or more adjacent linear motor housings in a manner that facilitates continuous propulsion of the carrier vehicle across the rectangular top plate of the linear motor housing and rectangular top plates corresponding to the one or more adjacent linear motor housings.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a carrier configured to hold and transport a vessel with a barcode label in an automation system in in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment, with a plurality of peripheral readers able to read the barcode label. The reading of the barcode label on the vessel loaded into the carrier is achieved without the need to align (either manually or automatically) the barcode to the peripheral readers. A dual spring arrangement provides for consistent vessel capture when loading the vessel into the carrier and for retention in the carrier during transport operations. A centrally-located spring housing provides efficient space utilization. A mirrored dual slot design is provided so that an unobstructed space for each slot is complimentary such that a completely unobstructed view of the vessel is constructed by imaging the same vessel in both slots (one after another) and fusing the resulting data.

Abstract: A mover for a linear motor system includes a magnet subassembly. The mover includes a magnetic structure disposed on at least one side of the magnet subassembly and creating with the magnetic subassembly a resultant magnetic field. The magnetic structure being centered on a detected center of the resultant magnetic field. The mover includes a body structure mounted on or with reference to the magnetic structure to position a physical center of the body structure at approximately the detected center of the resultant magnetic field.

Abstract: An automated, refrigerated specimen management system (ARSIMS) to hold sealed and/or opened sample/specimen tubes and/or containers that can be in the pre-analytical, in-process, or post-analytical phase of processing. The ARSIMS ensures that each sample/specimen tube, whether it is sealed, capped, closed or open, can be stored at an ideal storage temperature according to the particular phase of processing and as appropriate for the combination of sample/specimen type and analyte(s) to be tested.

Abstract: An automated, refrigerated specimen management system (ARSIMS) to hold sealed and/or opened sample/specimen tubes and/or containers that can be in the pre-analytical, in-process, or post-analytical phase of processing. The ARSIMS ensures that each sample/specimen tube, whether it is sealed, capped, closed or open, can be stored at an ideal storage temperature according to the particular phase of processing and as appropriate for the combination of sample/specimen type and analyte(s) to be tested.

Abstract: A rotary luminometer subsystem presents test vessels to a detection mechanism to be read as part of the automated immunoassay analyzer system. The rotary luminometer provides a read station separate from that of the transportation element of the luminometer. Within the read station, a housing and shield eliminates light leakage from the sample under test. In addition, the read station regulates the intensity of the light by providing an attenuation capability.

Abstract: A rotary luminometer subsystem presents test vessels to a detection mechanism to be read as part of the automated immunoassay analyzer system. The rotary luminometer provides a read station separate from that of the transportation element of the luminometer. Within the read station, a housing and shield eliminates light leakage from the sample under test. In addition, the read station regulates the intensity of the light by providing an attenuation capability.

Abstract: A multipath incubator that enables an immunoassay analyzer to perform tests that are not conducted serially relative to when the test samples entered the analyzer is provided.

Abstract: A bead dispenser device useful for supplying, one at a time, beads for heterogenous immunoassay, including an inner chamber having a return spring integrally formed to the inner chamber. The bead device also includes a plunger housed within a plunger chamber. The plunger includes a bead holding member and a notch. The return spring communicates with the notch of the plunger and biases the plunger in a resting position. In the resting position, the bead holding member is aligned with a bead receiving channel formed partly in the base of the inner chamber. When the plunger is depressed, the bead residing in the bead holding member is transported to a bead exit opening for dispensing therefrom. In this position, the return spring is also displaced inward to an inner portion of the inner chamber and is capable of agitating and contacting the beads located within the inner chamber.