Device and method for transferring reaction vessels

摘要

A method and an automated system for testing liquid samples comprising a reaction vessel transferring device are presented. A first analytical unit for running a first diagnostic test comprises a rotatable first vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. A second analytical unit for running a second diagnostic test comprises a stationary linear second vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. The transferring device comprises a gripper for gripping a reaction vessel and transfers reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or vice versa. The device is translatable parallel to the second vessel holder and the gripper moves along a curved path between a picking position and a reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder.

主权项

1. A reaction vessel transferring device for an automated system for testing liquid samples, wherein the automated system comprises a first analytical unit for carrying out at least one first diagnostic test comprising a rotatable first vessel holder having a plurality of reaction vessel seats for detachably holding reaction vessels and a second analytical unit for carrying out at least one second diagnostic test comprising a stationary linear second vessel holder having a plurality of reaction vessel seats for detachably holding reaction vessels, the reaction vessel transferring device comprising:
at least one gripper for gripping a reaction vessel and transferring reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or from the second vessel holder to the first vessel holder, wherein the reaction vessel transferring device is translatable parallel to the second vessel holder; a first part comprising a linearly translatable socket, wherein the gripper is attached to a gripper carrier, the gripper carrier is rotatably attached to the linearly translatable socket and has an attached guiding element which is brought in engagement with a guiding groove to control rotation of the gripper carrier with respect to the linearly translatable socket, and is configured to move at least in part along a curved path between a picking position and at least one reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder by linear translation of the linearly translatable socket and by rotation of the gripper carrier with respect to the linearly translatable socket by the guiding element engaging the guiding groove as the linearly translatable socket moves linearly down a linear guiding rail.