Sample handling system

Claim 2

A capillary electrophoresis sample handling system suitable for use with a sample segment and a plurality of capillaries, comprising: an arm including receiving means for receiving and removably retaining the sample segment; rotational means for moving the arm about a central rotational axis and translational means for moving the arm along a translational axis, the translational axis passing through the rotational axis; and manifold means for removably receiving the sample segment and the plurality of capillaries.

Claim 3

A system as in claim 1 wherein the receiving means includes a port and means for controllably applying a vacuum to the port to thereby removably retain the sample segment by the receiving means.

Claim 4

A system as in claim 1 wherein the system includes a frame and the rotational means includes a spindle, bearing means for rotatably retaining the spindle by the frame, the bearing means including a rotational bearing and a resilient member between the rotational bearing and the frame.

Claim 5

A system as in claim 3 wherein the resilient member is an o-ring.

Claim 6

A system as in claim 4 wherein the rotational bearing has a cylindrical circumference and the o-ring is disposed about the cylindrical circumference, and the frame includes a groove which receives and supports the o-ring.

Claim 7

A system as in claim 1 wherein the translational means includes parallel guide shafts having first and second ends, a carriage guided by the guide shafts and which carries the arm, means for moving the carriage along the guide shafts, and means for flexibly mounting the guide shafts at the first end thereof.

Claim 8

A system as in claim 6 wherein the means for moving the carriage includes a lead screw having first and second ends proximate the first and second ends of the guide shafts, and the carriage includes a threaded portion engaged with the lead screw, and the system further including a motor means for driving the lead screw, and flexible coupling means connecting the motor means to the lead screw.

Claim 9

A system as in claim 1 wherein the system includes a single transport assembly and the transport assembly includes the rotational means and translational means.

Claim 10

A capillary electrophoresis sample handling system suitable for use with a plurality of sample segments and a plurality of capillaries, comprising: a sample wheel for removably receiving and retaining the plurality of sample segments; a pipette probe; an arm including receiving means for receiving and removably retaining one of the plurality of sample segments and the pipette probe; rotational means for moving the arm about a central rotational axis and translational means for moving the arm along a translational axis, the translational axis passing through the rotational axis; and manifold means for removably receiving the sample segment and the plurality of capillaries.

Claim 11

A capillary electrophoresis sample handling system suitable for use with a plurality of sample segments and a plurality of capillaries, comprising: a sample wheel for removably receiving and retaining the plurality of sample segments; a pipette probe; an arm including receiving means for receiving and removably retaining one of the plurality of sample segments and the pipette probe; rotational means for moving the arm about a central rotational axis and translational means for moving the arm along a translational axis, the translational axis passing through the rotational axis; and manifold means for removably receiving the sample segment and the plurality of capillaries.

Claim 12

A system as in claim 9 wherein the receiving means includes a port and vacuum means for controllably applying a vacuum to the port to thereby removably retain one of the sample segments or the pipette probe by the receiving means.

Claim 13

A system as in claim 10 wherein the system includes support means for supporting the rotational means, and the rotational means includes a spindle, bearing means for rotatably retaining the spindle by the support means, the bearing means including a rotational bearing and a resilient member between the rotational bearing and the support means.

Claim 14

A system as in claim 11 wherein the rotational bearing has a cylindrical circumference and the resilient member is disposed about the cylindrical circumference, and the support means includes a groove which receives and supports the resilient member.

Claim 15

A system as in claim 10 wherein the rotational means includes motor means for rotating the rotational means and the system further includes control means for controlling the motor means and the vacuum means for retrieving and retaining one of the plurality of sample segments by the arm receiving means and agitating the retrieved and retained sample segment.

Claim 16

A system as in claim 9 wherein the pipette probe has a tip, the manifold means has a wash cell, and the system includes means for supporting the pipette probe such that the tip is in the wash cell.

Claim 17

A system as in claim 14 wherein the system includes liquid level sensing means for sensing contact between the probe tip and liquid, and the manifold means includes a first conduit and means for receiving an end of capillaries in the conduit, a second conduit providing fluid communication between the first conduit and the wash cell, and valve means for controllably flowing liquid into the first conduit, the liquid level sensing means sensing liquid in the first and second conduits.

Claim 18

A system as in claim 9 wherein the sample wheel is adapted to receive a plurality of sample segments at sample segment supports, each of the supports including a slot between the support and an outer edge of the sample wheel, the supports and associated slots being sized to receive the arm.

Claim 19

A system as in claim 9 wherein the system includes a single transport assembly and the transport assembly includes the rotational means and translational means.

Claim 20

A capillary electrophoresis sample handling system suitable for use with a plurality of sample segments and a plurality of capillaries, comprising: a sample wheel for removably receiving and retaining the plurality of sample segments; a pipette probe; not more than one transport assembly, the transport assembly including an arm having receiving means for receiving and removably retaining one of the plurality of sample segments and the pipette probe, rotational means for moving the arm about a central rotational axis, and translational means for moving the arm along a translational axis, the translational axis passing through the rotational axis; and manifold means for removably receiving the sample segment and the plurality of capillaries.

Claim 21

A capillary electrophoresis sample handling system suitable for use with a plurality of sample segments and a plurality of capillaries, comprising: a sample wheel for removably receiving and retaining the plurality of sample segments; a pipette probe; not more than one transport assembly, the transport assembly including an arm having receiving means for receiving and removably retaining one of the plurality of sample segments and the pipette probe, rotational means for moving the arm about a central rotational axis, and translational means for moving the arm along a translational axis, the translational axis passing through the rotational axis; and manifold means for removably receiving the sample segment and the plurality of capillaries.

Claim 22

A transfer assembly for use in an automated analyzer and useful with sample segments, the transfer assembly including: a spindle including at least one guide shaft and a lead screw having threads; a carriage carried by the guide shaft and engaged by the threads of the lead screw; an arm having a first end fixed to the carriage, and a second end, the second end including receiving means for receiving the sample segments, the receiving means including vacuum and retaining means; and motor means coupled to the lead screw for rotating the lead screw and coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle, carriage and arm.

Claim 23

A transfer assembly for use in an automated analyzer and useful with sample segments, the transfer assembly including: a spindle including at least one guide shaft and a lead screw having threads; a carriage carried by the guide shaft and engaged by the threads of the lead screw; an arm having a first end fixed to the carriage, and a second end, the second end including receiving means for receiving the sample segments, the receiving means including vacuum and retaining means; and motor means coupled to the lead screw for rotating the lead screw and coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle, carriage and arm.

Claim 24

A transfer assembly as in claim 19 wherein the vacuum retaining means includes a resilient boot adapted to receive and seal against the sample segment.

Claim 25

A transfer assembly as in claim 20 wherein the resilient boot includes an opening and a sealing rib about the opening for sealing against the sample segment.

Claim 26

A transfer assembly as in claim 20 wherein the resilient boot includes an opening and an interior wall shaped to form a seal against the sample segment.

Claim 27

A transfer assembly for use in an automated analyzer and useful with sample segments, the transfer assembly including: a spindle including at least one guide shaft having an end, a lead screw having threads, and resilient mounting means between the guide shaft end and the spindle; a carriage carried by the guide shaft and engaged by the threads of the lead screw; an arm having a first end fixed to the carriage, and a second end, the second end including receiving means for receiving the sample segments; and motor means coupled to the lead screw for rotating the lead screw and coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle, carriage and arm.

Claim 28

A transfer assembly for use in an automated analyzer and useful with sample segments, the transfer assembly including: a spindle including at least one guide shaft having an end, a lead screw having threads, and resilient mounting means between the guide shaft end and the spindle; a carriage carried by the guide shaft and engaged by the threads of the lead screw; an arm having a first end fixed to the carriage, and a second end, the second end including receiving means for receiving the sample segments; and motor means coupled to the lead screw for rotating the lead screw and coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle, carriage and arm.

Claim 29

A transfer assembly as in claim 23 wherein the resilient mounting means includes an o-ring disposed about the end and carried by a groove formed in the spindle.

Claim 30

A transfer assembly for use in an automated analyzer and useful with sample segments wherein the sample segments include a plurality of wells and at least two of the wells have an exterior surface, the transfer assembly including: a spindle including at least one guide shaft and a lead screw having threads; a carriage carried by the guide shaft and engaged by the threads of the lead screw; an arm having a first end fixed to the carriage, and a second end, the second end including resilient boots having an interior adapted to receive the exterior surface of the at least two wells; vacuum means for providing a controlled vacuum to the interior of the resilient boots; and motor means coupled to the lead screw for rotating the lead screw and coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle, carriage and arm.

Claim 31

A transfer assembly for use in an automated analyzer and useful with sample segments wherein the sample segments include a plurality of wells and at least two of the wells have an exterior surface, the transfer assembly including: a spindle including at least one guide shaft and a lead screw having threads; a carriage carried by the guide shaft and engaged by the threads of the lead screw; an arm having a first end fixed to the carriage, and a second end, the second end including resilient boots having an interior adapted to receive the exterior surface of the at least two wells; vacuum means for providing a controlled vacuum to the interior of the resilient boots; and motor means coupled to the lead screw for rotating the lead screw and coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle, carriage and arm.

Claim 32

A transfer assembly for use in an automated analyzer and useful with sample segments wherein the sample segments include a plurality of wells and at least two of the wells have an exterior surface, the transfer assembly including: a spindle including at least one guide shaft having an end, resilient mounting means between the one end of the guide shaft and the spindle, and a lead screw having threads; a carriage carried by the guide shaft and engaged by the threads of the lead screw; an arm having a first end fixed to the carriage, and a second end, the second end including resilient boots having an interior adapted to receive the exterior surface of the at least two wells; vacuum means for providing a controlled vacuum to the interior of the resilient boots; and motor means coupled to the lead screw for rotating the lead screw and coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle, carriage and arm.

Claim 33

A transfer assembly for use in an automated analyzer and useful with sample segments wherein the sample segments include a plurality of wells and at least two of the wells have an exterior surface, the transfer assembly including: a spindle including at least one guide shaft having an end, resilient mounting means between the one end of the guide shaft and the spindle, and a lead screw having threads; a carriage carried by the guide shaft and engaged by the threads of the lead screw; an arm having a first end fixed to the carriage, and a second end, the second end including resilient boots having an interior adapted to receive the exterior surface of the at least two wells; vacuum means for providing a controlled vacuum to the interior of the resilient boots; and motor means coupled to the lead screw for rotating the lead screw and coupled to the spindle for rotating the spindle, carriage and arm.

Claim 34

A transfer assembly as in claim 26 wherein the resilient mounting means includes an o-ring disposed about the guide shaft end and carried by a groove formed in the spindle.

Claim 35

A manifold for use in an automated analyzer and useful with a plurality of capillary assemblies, including: a manifold body; means for removably retaining the capillary assemblies; at least one reservoir formed in the body, the reservoir having a first dimension, a second dimension, and a third dimension, the first and second dimensions being greater than the third dimension, the third dimension being between first and second ends of the reservoir; and first, second and third conduits in communication with the reservoir, the first and second conduits in communication with the reservoir being proximate the first end of the reservoir, and the third conduit in communication with the reservoir being proximate the second end thereof.

Claim 36

A manifold for use in an automated analyzer and useful with a plurality of capillary assemblies, including: a manifold body; means for removably retaining the capillary assemblies; at least one reservoir formed in the body, the reservoir having a first dimension, a second dimension, and a third dimension, the first and second dimensions being greater than the third dimension, the third dimension being between first and second ends of the reservoir; and first, second and third conduits in communication with the reservoir, the first and second conduits in communication with the reservoir being proximate the first end of the reservoir, and the third conduit in communication with the reservoir being proximate the second end thereof.

Claim 37

A manifold as in claim 28 wherein the manifold includes an electrophoresing conduit adapted to be in communication with ends of the capillary assemblies, the electrophoresing conduit retaining an electrode.

Claim 38

A manifold as in claim 29 wherein the electrode is from sheet stock.

Claim 39

A manifold as in claim 30 wherein the sheet stock is stainless steel about 0.004 inch thick.

Claim 40

A manifold as in claim 29 wherein the manifold body is unitary.

Claim 41

A manifold as in claim 28 wherein the cross section area of the reservoir, defined by product of the first and second dimensions, is substantially greater than the volume of the reservoir, defined by product of the first, second and third dimensions.

Claim 42

A manifold as in claim 33 wherein the ratio of the cross section area to the volume is between about two and three.

Claim 43

A manifold as in claim 28 wherein the manifold includes means for controllably providing liquid to the first conduit, means for controllably providing vacuum to the second conduit, and means for drawing liquid from the third conduit.

Claim 44

A method of using the manifold of claim 35, including the steps of providing liquid to the reservoir until the reservoir is about half full between the first and second ends, providing vacuum to the reservoir for a predetermined time period, and drawing liquid from the reservoir.

Claim 45

The method of claim 36 wherein the steps are performed in the order of providing the liquid to the reservoir, providing vacuum to the reservoir, and drawing liquid from the reservoir.

Claim 46

A method as in claim 37 wherein the steps are performed separately in time and do not overlap in time.

Claim 47

A manifold for use in an automated analyzer and useful with a plurality of capillary assemblies, including a manifold body having at least first and second conduits; means for removably retaining the capillary assemblies; at least one valve having a control element; a valve adapter disposed between the valve and the manifold, the valve adapter providing communication from the valve control element to the first and second conduits, the valve adapter having a body and being removably fixed to the valve via a neck portion extending from the body; and a retainer ring including a threaded portion adapted to engage the manifold body and including a surface for engaging the valve adapter body to thereby retain the valve adapter body on the manifold body.

Claim 48

A manifold for use in an automated analyzer and useful with a plurality of capillary assemblies, including a manifold body having at least first and second conduits; means for removably retaining the capillary assemblies; at least one valve having a control element; a valve adapter disposed between the valve and the manifold, the valve adapter providing communication from the valve control element to the first and second conduits, the valve adapter having a body and being removably fixed to the valve via a neck portion extending from the body; and a retainer ring including a threaded portion adapted to engage the manifold body and including a surface for engaging the valve adapter body to thereby retain the valve adapter body on the manifold body.

Claim 49

A manifold as in claim 39 wherein the neck portion includes a reduced annular portion adapted to fail under stress before the retainer ring threaded portions fails.

Claim 50

A manifold for use in an automated analyzer and useful with a plurality of capillary assemblies and a sample segment, the manifold including: a manifold body; means for removably retaining the capillary assemblies; a sample segment receiving station, including a pivoted arm, a solenoid operatively connected to the pivoted arm, and a pressure pad at one end of the arm, the pressure pad being adapted to press against and hold a sample segment against the manifold.

Claim 51

A manifold for use in an automated analyzer and useful with a plurality of capillary assemblies and a sample segment, the manifold including: a manifold body; means for removably retaining the capillary assemblies; a sample segment receiving station, including a pivoted arm, a solenoid operatively connected to the pivoted arm, and a pressure pad at one end of the arm, the pressure pad being adapted to press against and hold a sample segment against the manifold.

Claim 52

A manifold for use in an automated analyzer and useful with a plurality of capillary assemblies and a sample segment, including: a manifold body; means for removably retaining the capillary assemblies; at least one reservoir formed in the body, the reservoir having a first dimension, a second dimension, and a third dimension, the first and second dimensions being greater than the third dimension, the third dimension being between first and second ends of the reservoir; first, second and third conduits in communication with the reservoir, the first and second conduits in communication with the reservoir being proximate the first end of the reservoir, and the third conduit in communication with the reservoir being proximate the second end thereof; a sample segment receiving station, including a pivoted arm, a solenoid operatively connected to the pivoted arm, and a pressure pad at one end of the arm, the pressure pad being adapted to press against and hold a sample segment against the manifold; a liquid dispensing probe; conduit means between the reservoir and the liquid dispensing probe; and valve means operatively disposed in the conduit means for controlling the flow of liquid from the reservoir to the liquid dispensing probe.

Claim 53

A manifold for use in an automated analyzer and useful with a plurality of capillary assemblies and a sample segment, including: a manifold body; means for removably retaining the capillary assemblies; at least one reservoir formed in the body, the reservoir having a first dimension, a second dimension, and a third dimension, the first and second dimensions being greater than the third dimension, the third dimension being between first and second ends of the reservoir; first, second and third conduits in communication with the reservoir, the first and second conduits in communication with the reservoir being proximate the first end of the reservoir, and the third conduit in communication with the reservoir being proximate the second end thereof; a sample segment receiving station, including a pivoted arm, a solenoid operatively connected to the pivoted arm, and a pressure pad at one end of the arm, the pressure pad being adapted to press against and hold a sample segment against the manifold; a liquid dispensing probe; conduit means between the reservoir and the liquid dispensing probe; and valve means operatively disposed in the conduit means for controlling the flow of liquid from the reservoir to the liquid dispensing probe.

Claim 54

A manifold as in claim 42 wherein the manifold further includes a second probe coaxially disposed with respect to the liquid dispensing probe, and means for applying a controlled vacuum to the second probe.