Workstation for integrating automated chemical analyzers

• Main Authors: SHIBATA GEORGE K, NGO DANG M, LINDSEY CHRISTOPHER W, TU SONGTAI, MACK STEVEN D
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 07.02.2002
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIRCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TESTING

A workstation for integrating two or more automated analyzers. The workstation includes a sample rack handler assembly, having a single common sample rack input area for loading sample racks for the two or more automated analyzers, and a sample rack bypass area for passing sample racks to be processed by one of the two or more automated analyzers. The workstation also includes a sample aliquoting assembly, having a sample pipetter station for aliquoting samples into aliquot vessels for processing by another one of the two or more automated analyzers. The workstation further includes an internal shuttle for shuttling the sample racks between the sample rack input area, the sample rack bypass area, and the sample pipetter station, and an external shuttle for shuttling the sample racks between the sample rack input area, the sample rack bypass area, and the one of the two or more automated analyzers. In addition, the workstation includes a pick-and-place mechanism for transporting the aliquot vessels between the sample pipetter station and the other one of the two or more automated analyzers. A single common control console is provided for the workstation and the two or more automated analyzers.