Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.

Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.

Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.

Abstract: Sample transport systems are described that move a sample carrier from one station to a next station in a sample processing systems. The systems include: a translating member; two or more sample carrier retaining devices attached to the translating member, wherein each of the two or more sample carrier retaining devices can include a retainer portion to temporarily retain one or more sample carriers; and a movement mechanism to move the translating member and the attached sample carrier retaining devices between a first position and a second position; wherein the sample carrier retaining devices are controlled and moved simultaneously to retain a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the first position and to release a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the second position to successively advance sample carriers in the sample processing systems.

Abstract: Assay devices, assay detection systems, and methods comprising same for analytical tests, medical assays, diagnostic tests, medical diagnosis, risk assessment, or quality control purposes are provided. These devices, systems, and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms, operating rooms, hospital laboratories and other clinical laboratories, doctor's offices, in the field, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired. The systems and methods process samples, such as clinical, biological, or blood sample, and read data from colorimetric based biochemical assays to provide an indication of the presence or absence of a bacterial, fungal, or viral contaminants therein. The assay devices include an optical reader apparatus and barcode scanner for reading and matching the test results to identification information provided by the barcodes to facilitate ease of tracking compliant and noncompliant samples.

Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.

Abstract: Assay devices, assay detection systems, and methods comprising same for analytical tests, medical assays, diagnostic tests, medical diagnosis, risk assessment, or quality control purposes are provided. These devices, systems, and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms, operating rooms, hospital laboratories and other clinical laboratories, doctor's offices, in the field, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired. The systems and methods process samples, such as clinical, biological, or blood sample, and read data from colorimetric based biochemical assays to provide an indication of the presence or absence of a bacterial, fungal, or viral contaminants therein. The assay devices include an optical reader apparatus and barcode scanner for reading and matching the test results to identification information provided by the barcodes to facilitate ease of tracking compliant and noncompliant samples.

Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.

Abstract: Sample application systems can include an extraction mechanism to remove a sample from sample containers, a sample vessel disposed on a deployment mechanism, where the deployment mechanism is arranged to move the sample vessel to receive a sample, an extraction mechanism washing station to wash the extraction mechanism, a sample applicator to remove a portion of the sample in the sample vessel and apply it onto a sample carrier, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to a sample application position, a sample vessel washing station to wash the sample vessel, where the deployment mechanism can move the sample vessel to the sample vessel washing station, a sample applicator washing station to wash the sample applicator after the sample has been dispensed onto the sample carrier, and a fluid control system to control flow of a fluid provided to the extraction mechanism and the sample applicator.

Abstract: Sample transport systems are described that move a sample carrier from one station to a next station in a sample processing systems. The systems include: a translating member; two or more sample carrier retaining devices attached to the translating member, wherein each of the two or more sample carrier retaining devices can include a retainer portion to temporarily retain one or more sample carriers; and a movement mechanism to move the translating member and the attached sample carrier retaining devices between a first position and a second position; wherein the sample carrier retaining devices are controlled and moved simultaneously to retain a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the first position and to release a sample carrier when the translating member reaches the second position to successively advance sample carriers in the sample processing systems.

Abstract: An automated feed mechanism (2) for retrieving a desired wafer assembly (20). The automated feed mechanism (2) has an elevator assembly (12) for storing a plurality of wafer assemblies (20) and the elevator assembly (12) is driven to facilitate retrieval of the desired wafer assembly (20). A pick and place assembly (16) retrieves electronic components (22), from a retrieved wafer assembly (20), and transports each retrieved electronic component (22) to a shuttle assembly (18). The shuttle assembly (18) comprises first and second shuttle platforms (34, 36), with one of the shuttle platforms (34 or 36) located adjacent the pick and place assembly (16) for loading electronic components (22) thereon, and the second shuttle platform (36 or 34) located at a dispensing position (D) for retrieval of the previously loaded electronic components (22) by an automated assembly machine (3).

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for sequentially feeding a plurality of stacked carrier members to an assembly area. The conveying apparatus comprises a first bin for storing a desired quantity of stackable carrier members and the first bin has an outlet for sequentially discharging a carrier member therefrom. A feed mechanism communicating with the outlet of the first bin, and the feed mechanism facilitating individual feeding of the carrier members, in a sequential manner, from said first bin toward the assembly area. A conveyor mechanism, communicating with the outlet of the first bin, for receiving one carrier member, fed by the feed mechanism, and for conveying the carrier member to the assembly area where a plurality of components can be either retrieved from the carrier member to manufacture a desired product or loaded on the carrier member for later manufacture of a desired product.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for sequentially feeding a plurality of stacked carrier members, each carrying a plurality of components to be assembled, to an automatic assembly retrieval area where the plurality of components can be retrieved to manufacture a desired product. The conveying apparatus includes a supply bin for storing a desired quantity of stacked carrier members and a feed mechanism which sequentially feeds one of the stacked carrier members from the supply bin to a conveyor mechanism. The conveyor mechanism conveys the supplied carrier member to the automated assembly retrieval area where the components are retrieved. Once all of the components are properly placed on a desired product, the conveyor mechanism conveys a new carrier member, containing a fresh supply of components, to the automated assembly retrieval area and simultaneously conveys the emptied carrier member to a collection bin which facilitates collection of the emptied carrier member.