SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 178.-. (canceled)79. An assay cartridge comprising:a reaction well including:a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, a second endwall, and a well floor arranged to receive a reaction mixture, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first endwall and the second endwall forming an open end;wherein the first endwall includes a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segment joined by a bend, at least one of the first segment and second segment being tapered so that the cross section of the reaction well decreases closer to the well floor.80. The assay cartridge of claim 79 , wherein the first segment is closer to the open end and having a first taper claim 79 , the second segment is farther from the open end and having a second taper claim 79 , the second taper being greater compared to the first taper so as to decrease the cross-section of the reaction well at a greater rate.81. The assay cartridge of claim 79 , wherein a mid-plane is defined by the first sidewall and the second sidewall claim 79 , and the second segment has a radius about the mid-plane to create a culvert.82. The assay cartridge of claim 81 ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 1. A system for processing a sample , the system comprising:a preparation location suitable for processing the sample in an assay cartridge including a first compartment and a second compartment;a first pipettor in the preparation location and configured to transfer liquids from the first compartment to the second compartment of the assay cartridge;a materials storage location that is distinct from the preparation location;a second pipettor disposed to travel between the materials storage location and the preparation location; anda controller configured to direct the first pipettor to transfer a first reagent from the first compartment to the second compartment of the assay cartridge, and to direct the second pipettor to transfer a second reagent from the materials storage location to the second compartment.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first pipettor is a millitip pipettor and the second pipettor is a microtip pipettor.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the materials storage location comprises a reagent storage unit configured to store a reagent pack.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second compartment is a reaction well in ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 125.-. (canceled)26. A system comprising: a storage location configured to support the plurality of assay cartridges,', 'a loading lane coupled to the storage location, and', 'a loading transport coupled to the loading lane and configured to move an assay cartridge from the storage location to the loading lane;, 'a cartridge loading unit configured to accept a plurality of assay cartridges, the cartridge loading unit including'}a plurality of processing lanes, each processing lane configured to operate on an assay cartridge;a shuttle configured to move the assay cartridge among the loading lane and the plurality of processing lanes, the shuttle capable of being positioned in alignment with the loading lane and in alignment with each of the plurality of processing lanes; anda controller operatively coupled to the loading transport, the shuttle, and the plurality of processing lanes, wherein the controller is configured to direct the loading transport to transfer assay cartridges from the storage location to the loading lane, and configured to direct the shuttle to transfer assay cartridges among the loading lane and the plurality of ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 1156.-. (canceled)157. A thermal cycler module for performing real time PCR within a PCR reaction vessel , comprising:a thermal block comprising a receptacle for receiving a PCR reaction vessel;a movable lid, the lid overlapping the thermal block and having an open position and a closed position, the movable lid capable of moving between the open and closed positions;an excitation optics assembly, the excitation optics assembly configured to pass excitation light to the PCR reaction vessel when the PCR reaction vessel is located in the receptacle; andan emission optics assembly, the emission optics assembly is configured to receive light from the PCR reaction vessel when the PCR reaction vessel is located in the receptacle in the thermal block,wherein the thermal cycler module is configured to fit in one of a plurality of slots in a thermal cycler garage.158. The thermal cycler module of claim 157 , wherein the receptacle of the thermal block is cooperatively configured with the PCR reaction vessel and is in thermal contact with the PCR reaction vessel when the PCR reaction vessel is in the receptacle claim 157 , and wherein the receptacle ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 1136.-. (canceled)137. A system comprising:a movable cartridge carriage configured to engage an assay cartridge, the assay cartridge comprising a well containing a magnetically responsive particle, the well including a wall at an angle relative to the vertical axis;a movable magnet trolley, the movable magnet trolley comprising a separation magnet mounted at an angle complementary to the assay cartridge wall angle; anda reversible coupling device configured to reversibly join the movable cartridge carriage and the movable magnet trolley;wherein the separation magnet is aligned in proximity to the assay cartridge wall when the movable cartridge carriage is coupled to the movable magnet trolley.138. The system of claim 137 , wherein the cartridge carriage and the magnet trolley are disposed on a common carriage track claim 137 , and the coupled movable cartridge carriage and movable magnet trolley together are configured to travel on the common carriage track.139. The system of claim 137 , wherein the reversible coupling comprises a latching magnet claim 137 , and wherein the movable cartridge carriage includes a magnetic strike plate that is ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 1125.-. (canceled)126. A reagent cartridge , comprising:a containment section that comprises a horizontally planar containment floor and a containment wall that extends vertically from the periphery of the containment floor;the floor including an access opening of a reagent receptacle;a gripping handle that is attached to an isolation portion, the isolation portion attached to the containment section and thereby providing a separation between gripping handle and the reagent receptacle; anda memory unit, wherein the memory unit contains information related to one of the manufacturing history and the usage history of the reagent cartridge.127126. The reagent cartridge of , wherein the reagent cartridge comprises a plurality of reagent receptacles , each reagent receptacle having an access opening disposed on the containment floor.128126. The reagent cartridge of , wherein the reagent receptacle contains one of a nucleic acid polymerase , a PCR primer sequence , and a PCR probe sequence129126. The reagent cartridge of , wherein the reagent receptacle contains one of a proteolytic enzyme and a microparticle suspension.130126. The reagent ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 1217.-. (canceled)218. A method for operating a thermal cycler module , the method comprising:obtaining a predetermined temperature vs. time profile associated with a selected thermal cycler module in an array of thermal cycler modules, the array of thermal cycler modules comprising the selected thermal cycler module and a set of thermal cycler modules; andcontrolling, by a processor, the thermal cycler modules in the set of thermal cycler modules so that their performance matches the predetermined temperature vs. time profile, each of the thermal cycler modules in the set of thermal cycler modules being controlled using a source of variation between the thermal cycler modules in the array.219. The method of wherein the source of variation comprises an ambient temperature of the thermal cycler module claim 218 , or a physical characteristic of the thermal cycler module.220. The method of wherein controlling the thermal cycler modules comprises claim 218 , for each module claim 218 , adjusting h claim 218 , which is a thin film heater output at ambient temperature (° C./second) and k claim 218 , which is a rate of heat transfer claim 218 , ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 1197.-. (canceled)198. A vessel for real time PCR comprising:a radially symmetrical reaction base, anda plug comprising a handling feature, the handling feature configured to receive a pipette mandrel.199. The vessel of claim 198 , wherein the lower portion of the reaction base has an angle between about 1 degree and about 10 degrees.200. The vessel of claim 198 , wherein the lower portion of the reaction base has a volume of about 10 μL to about 70 μL.201. The vessel of claim 198 , wherein the reaction base comprises an upper cylindrical portion that receives the plug and a lower portion claim 198 , and wherein the lower portion opens into the upper cylindrical portion and comprises a frustum of a conical shape.202. The vessel of claim 198 , comprising of a material having:a thermal conductivity greater than about 0.1 W/mL;a Young's modulus of about 1.5 GPa to about 2 GPa; anda frictional coefficient of less than about 0.25.203. The vessel of claim 198 , wherein the material comprises polypropylene.204. The vessel of claim 198 , wherein the upper cylindrical portion has a wall thickness of about 0.010 inches to about 0.05 inches.205. The ...

System and method including analytical units

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING ANALYTICAL UNITS

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 1. A cartridge loading unit for loading assay cartridges onto an automated system , comprising:a presentation lane including a carriage to receive an assay cartridge, the presentation lane configured to transport the assay cartridge into the automated system for processing; anda first loading lane including a cavity to receive a DNA assay cartridge and transfer the DNA assay cartridge to the carriage of the presentation lane, wherein the DNA assay cartridge includes a reaction well and a reagent compartment, the reagent compartment containing a reagent used for DNA extraction from a sample.2. The cartridge loading unit of further including a second loading lane configured to transfer an RNA assay cartridge to the presentation lane claim 1 , wherein the RNA assay cartridge includes a reaction well and an RNA reagent compartment claim 1 , the RNA reagent compartment containing a reagent used for RNA extraction from the sample.3. The cartridge loading unit of claim 1 , wherein the reaction well of the DNA assay cartridge is asymmetrical and includes an endwall having a tapered segment claim 1 , the tapered segment having a radius profile to ...

System and method including thermal cycler modules

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THERMAL CYCLER MODULES

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples. 1. A computer readable medium , comprising code , executable by a processor , for implementing a method for operating a thermal cycler module , the method comprising:obtaining a predetermined temperature vs. time profile associated with a selected thermal cycler module in an array of thermal cycler modules, the array of thermal cycler modules comprising the selected thermal cycler module and a set of thermal cycler modules; andcontrolling, by a processor, the thermal cycler modules in the set of thermal cycler modules so that their performance matches the predetermined temperature vs. time profile, each of the thermal cycler modules in the set of thermal cycler modules being controlled using a source of variation between the thermal cycler modules in the array.2. The computer readable medium of wherein the source of variation comprises an ambient temperature of the thermal cycler module claim 1 , or a physical characteristic of the thermal cycler module.3. The computer readable medium of wherein controlling the thermal cycler modules comprises claim 1 , for each module claim 1 , adjusting h claim 1 , which is a thin film heater output at ...

System and method including thermal cycler modules

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

System and method including analytical units

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Reagent cartridge

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

System and method for controlling thermal cycler modules

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Reaction vessel

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

System and method including multiple processing lanes executing processing protocols

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Assay cartridge with reaction well

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

System or method of including analytical units

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

System and method including analytical units

Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Apparatus and method for cleaning a liquid handling probe

Apparatus and method for cleaning a liquid handling probe

The present invention concerns an improved apparatus for cleaning the interior of a liquid handling probe to reduce the amount time and the volume of wash fluid required to clean the probe and minimize carryover of material between different samples. In addition to the probe, the apparatus includes one or more wash fluid reservoirs, a compressed gas supply, one or more pumps, two or more valve-controlled probe lines and a controller for opening and closing the valves and actuating the pump(s) at desired time intervals. The invention further concerns a method of cleaning a liquid handling probe using the claimed apparatus and comprising sequential steps of pumping wash fluid and compressed gas through the probe.

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