Sample transporter

Abstract

Devices and methods for supporting a sample container. In one embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and a releasable clamp mechanism that applies a force against a side of the sample container. In another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, wherein the holder has a central opening that permits analysis of a sample to be carried out from below the holder, and an open end that permits a sample container transfer device to enter a portion of the holder. In yet another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and drive mechanisms that move the holder between a docking station outside an analyzer and an examination site inside the analyzer, so that the holder can function both as a sample delivery device in and out of the analyzer, and as a moveable stage for supporting the sample container at the examination site. The method includes automatically delivering a sample container just outside an opening to the analyzer, moving a gripping device from inside the analyzer, through the opening, to a location immediately below the sample container, and gently placing the sample container onto the gripping device.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A support device for a sample container, the device comprising: 
 a holder including shelf structure and associated frame structure at least partially defining a support area for supporting a sample container;    wherein the holder has a central opening that permits analysis of a sample to be carried out from below the holder; and    wherein the holder has an open end that permits a transfer device to enter the support area through a side of the holder, the transfer device being configured to transfer the sample container to the holder.    
     
     
         2 . The support device of    claim 1   , wherein the sample container is a microplate.  
     
     
         3 . The support device of    claim 1   , wherein the support area is generally rectangular.  
     
     
         4 . The support device of    claim 3   , further comprising the transfer device, where the transfer device, after moving into the support area, can move down relative to the holder, thereby placing the sample container into the generally rectangular area of the holder.  
     
     
         5 . The support device of    claim 1    further comprising a removable connector portion configured to close the open end.  
     
     
         6 . The support device of    claim 1    further comprising a first releasable clamp mechanism that applies a force against a first side of the sample container, thereby securing the sample container in the holder.  
     
     
         7 . The device of    claim 6    further comprising a second releasable clamp mechanism that applies a force against a second side of the sample container, thereby securing the sample container in the holder from two sides.  
     
     
         8 . The device of    claim 7   , wherein the first and second releasable clamp mechanisms operate in series.  
     
     
         9 . The device of    claim 8   , wherein the first and second releasable clamp mechanisms include releasable arm members.  
     
     
         10 . The support device of    claim 1    further comprising a first drive mechanism that moves the holder along an X-axis between a docking station outside an analyzer and an examination site inside the analyzer.  
     
     
         11 . The support device of    claim 10    further comprising a second drive mechanism that moves the holder along a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis when the holder is at the examination site, so that the holder can function both as a sample delivery device in and out of the analyzer, and as a moveable stage for supporting the sample container at the examination site.  
     
     
         12 . A support device for a sample container, the device comprising: 
 a holder;    a first drive mechanism that moves the holder along an X-axis between a docking station outside an analyzer and an examination site inside the analyzer; and    a second drive mechanism that moves the holder along a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis when the holder is at the examination site, so that the holder can function both as a sample delivery device in and out of the analyzer, and as a moveable stage for supporting the sample container at the examination site.    
     
     
         13 . The device of    claim 12   , wherein the holder includes shelf structure and associated frame structure at least partially defining a generally rectangular area for supporting a microplate, the generally rectangular area having a central opening so that analysis can be carried out from below the holder when the holder is functioning as a stage at the examination site.  
     
     
         14 . The device of    claim 12   , wherein the first and second drive mechanisms are capable of optimizing the acceleration/deceleration profiles of the sample container to minimize shaking of samples contained within the sample container.  
     
     
         15 . A method of automatically feeding sample containers in and out of an analyzer, the method comprising: 
 automatically delivering a sample container just outside an opening to the analyzer;    moving a gripping device from inside the analyzer, through the opening, to a location immediately below the sample container; and    placing the sample container onto the gripping device.    
     
     
         16 . The method of    claim 15   , wherein the sample container is a microplate.  
     
     
         17 . The method of    claim 15   , further comprising clamping the sample container in the holder by applying a first force against a first side of the sample container.  
     
     
         18 . The method of    claim 17   , further comprising clamping the sample container in the holder by applying a second force against a second side of the sample container.  
     
     
         19 . The method of    claim 18   , further comprising serially performing the clamping steps.  
     
     
         20 . The method of    claim 15   , the gripping device having a central aperture and an open end, wherein the step of placing the sample container onto the gripping device includes the steps of entering the central aperture through the open end and moving down relative to the gripping device until the sample container is supported by the gripping device above the central aperture.