Brian Bell

US Patent:

20200319222, Oct 8, 2020

Filed:

Feb 17, 2017

Appl. No.:

16/088939

Inventors:

- Franklin Lakes NJ, US
Neil G. Terry - Baltimore MD, US
Brian Bell - Forest Hill MD, US
Steven C. Rotundo - Baltimore MD, US
Stephen Robert LaChance - Cockeysville MD, US
Alyssa Shedlosky - Reisterstown MD, US

Assignee:

Becton Dickinson and Company - Franklin Lakes NJ

International Classification:

G01N 35/10
G01N 35/02
G01N 35/00
B25J 9/02
B25J 15/00
B25J 19/00
B25J 15/08
B01L 9/06
B01L 3/00

Abstract:

An automated analyzer that receives samples prepared for analysis in an automated pre-analytical module and a method of operation of such automated analyzer. The automated analyzer includes a shuttle transfer station that receives a shuttle carrier from the automated pre-analytical system. The shuttle transfer station has a clamping assembly for the shuttle. The clamping assembly has jaws that advance engagement members into contact with a bottom portion of sample containers disposed in the shuttle. The clamping assembly secures the sample containers in the shuttle when sample is aspirated from the sample containers. The automated analyzer also has a multichannel puncture tool that is adapted to be carried by a robotic gripper mechanism. The multichannel puncture tool has multiple puncture members that each defines a channel. Each channel is in communication with a different trough in the consumable. A pipette can pass through the channel in the puncture tool.