Analysis instrument having a sample bearing device location

Abstract

Instruments, devices and methods of analysis are provided which fully integrate a significant number of process steps in a continuous operation. Accurate positioning and full contact between components is also provided by the relative movement the designs allow. An effect interface between a low cost disposable cartridge or device and the instrument to process it is also detailed.

1 . An instrument for analysing a sample, the instrument including:
 one or more sample processors;   electronics for operating the sample processors;   a device;   a carrier for the device, the device being provides on the carrier;   a force applicator;   a device to instrument interface; and   a device location to receive the device in use;   
       wherein one or more of the sample processors are provided on a device provided in the instrument at a device location;
 wherein the device has an inserted position in the device location and has a use position in the device location, transition of the device from the inserted position to the use position being provided by movement of the device relative to the instrument when in the device location; the force applicator providing application of force to the device to hold the device in position against the device to instrument interface in the use position; 
 wherein one or more releasable fasteners hold the device against the carrier, but the one or more fasteners allow movement of the device away from the carrier in response to application of force above a certain level, and when the force is below the certain level, the device returns into contact against the carrier. 
 
     
     
         2 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the relative movement for the device is provided to align the device with a device to instrument interface. 
     
     
         3 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the relative movement for the device is provided to align the device with a step selected from the group comprising: an investigation step; a detection step; an electrophoresis step; an analysis step. 
     
     
         4 .- 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which the relative movement for the device is made in response to one or more alignment checks conducted by the instrument. 
     
     
         7 .- 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . An instrument according to  claim 1  in which movement to the use position and/or a subsequent step provide for the formation of contact between the part of the device providing an electrophoresis step with a heater board. 
     
     
         12 . A method of analysing a sample, the method including:
 introducing the sample to a device provided on a carrier;   introducing the device and the carrier to an instrument;   providing the device in an inserted position in the instrument at a device location;   applying one or more process steps to the sample using one or more sample processors;   obtaining one or more results from the method;   
       wherein one or more of the sample processors are provided on a device provided in the instrument at the device location;
 wherein the device is moved from the inserted position in the device location to the use position in the device location, a forced applicator providing an application of force to the device to hold the device in position against the device to instrument interface in the use position; and 
 wherein one or more releasable fasteners hold the device against the carrier, but the one or more fasteners allow movement of the device away from the carrier in response to application of force above a certain level, and when the force is below the certain level, the device returns into contact against the carrier. 
 
     
     
         13 .- 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . An instrument according to  claim 1 , wherein movement to the use position provides formation of electrical contacts between the instrument and one or more electrical components provided on the device. 
     
     
         23 . An instrument according to  claim 3 , wherein movement to the use position provides formation of electrical contacts between the instrument and one or more electrical components provided on a part of the device providing the electrophoresis step. 
     
     
         24 . An instrument according to  claim 11 , wherein movement to the use position provides formation of electrical contacts between the instrument and one or more electrical components provided on a part of the device providing the electrophoresis step. 
     
     
         25 . An instrument according to  claim 1 , in which movement to the use position provides deactivation of one or more interlocks.