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PATENTS

Article handling system and method

Application number: 20030118487

Abstract: An article handling system and method for holding articles and moving selected articles individually from and/or to the article handling system. A plurality of vertically spaced article holding trays are mounted for independent rotation, each tray having a plurality of discrete article holding locations. A tray rotating mechanism is arranged to rotate a single selected tray, while a pick-and-place mechanism has an article gripper mounted for vertical and horizontal movement such that the gripper can reach any article holding location on any selected tray. A controller coordinates rotation of the selected tray and movement of the gripper such that the gripper can move to and from the selected article holding location. The handling system is especially useful as part of an automated system for processing multiple specimens of biological fluid in separate vials.

Type: Application

Filed: October 21, 2002

Issued: June 26, 2003

Assignee: MONOGEN, INC.

Inventors: Norman J. Pressman, Lucien J. Wroblewski

Flow control metering system and method for controlling filtration of liquid-based specimens

Application number: 20030100125

Abstract:A method and apparatus for collecting a cell sample of desired concentration on a filter collection site from a biological liquid specimen in a container. Specimen liquid is moved through a filter while the volume rate of liquid flow through the filter is monitored. The monitored liquid flow rate is compared to a reference value, and liquid flow through the filter is terminated when the ratio of monitored liquid flow rate to the reference value reaches or exceeds a predetermined ratio value. The predetermined ratio value preferably is a function of the protocol for processing the specimen. An alternative method and apparatus relies on the rate of change of the measured weight of the container. This rate is compared to a reference value, and liquid flow through the filter is terminated when the rate of change diminishes to or below a predetermined value.

Type: Application

Filed: October 21, 2002

Issued: May 29, 2003

Assignee:MONOGEN, INC.

Inventors: Norman J. Pressman, William J. Mayer, Lucien J. Wroblewski

Universal microscope slide cassette

Application number: 20030099580

Abstract: A microscope slide cassette for use with specimen handling apparatus. A plurality of opposed pairs of shelves carried by the side walls of the cassette are adapted to support specimen slides by their ends in the cassette. The shelves have a top surface on which a specimen slide can rest, and a resilient bottom surface configured to pinch the slide below against the shelf below to frictionally retain the pinched slide in the cassette. The bottom surface may comprise a spring. An inclined shelf lead-in ramp guides slides during insertion. Drainage ports in the side walls above and/or below the shelves make the cassette well suited for use in staining baths. Two laterally spaced racks on the rear wall, vertically spaced indexing marks corresponding to each slide position, and a sensor window at each slide position make the cassette well-suited for use in automated slide cassette handling mechanisms. The cassette is stackable with others for compact storage.

Type: Application

Filed: October 21, 2002

Issued: May 29, 2003

Assignee: MONOGEN, INC.

Inventors: Norman J. Pressman, William J. Mayer, Lucien J. Wroblewski

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