HK40100600A - Automated diagnostic analyzers having vertically arranged carousels and related methods - Google Patents

Description

Automated diagnostic analyzer and related methods with vertically arranged disc conveyor belts

This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 201480027844.3 entitled "Automatic diagnostic analyzer and related method with vertically arranged disc conveyor belt", which is an application that entered the Chinese national phase of PCT application No. PCT/US2014/029138.

Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to automated diagnostic analyzers, and more particularly to automated diagnostic analyzers and related methods having a vertically arranged disc conveyor belt.

Background Technology

Automated diagnostic analyzers employ multiple disc conveyors and multiple pipetting mechanisms to automatically draw fluid from and dispense it into different areas of the analyzer to perform diagnostic analysis procedures. The disc conveyors may include conveyors for reaction dishes, for samples, and/or for reagents. By arranging multiple dishes on each disc conveyor, these known analyzers can perform multiple tests on multiple test samples as the disc conveyors rotate. Some known disc conveyors are arranged in a coplanar orientation, and many different modules or stations are arranged around the disc conveyors to perform specific functions, such as mixing the contents of reaction dishes, washing reaction dishes and/or pipettes, culturing test samples, and analyzing the contents of reaction dishes. Due to the multiple coplanar disc conveyors and the numerous modules and stations, these known automated clinical analyzers typically require relatively large spaces.

Attached Figure Description

Figure 1 is a partial exploded perspective view of an exemplary component of an exemplary diagnostic analyzer having a stacked disc conveyor belt, in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

Figure 2 shows a top view of an exemplary diagnostic analyzer incorporating the exemplary components of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a partially exploded front side view of the exemplary component of Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a rear view of the exemplary diagnostic analyzer of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary diagnostic analyzer with an alternative disc conveyor belt construction.

Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary processing system for the exemplary analyzer shown in Figures 1-5.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary diagnostic testing process.

Figure 8 is a timeline showing the timing sequence of various components in the exemplary analyzer shown in Figures 1-4.

Figure 9 is a diagram of the processor platform that can be used in the examples disclosed herein.

Detailed Implementation

Certain examples are shown in the figures identified above and disclosed in detail below. In describing these examples, similar or identical reference numerals are used to identify the same or similar elements. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features and views in the figures are shown enlarged to scale or schematically for clarity and/or simplicity. Furthermore, numerous examples have been described throughout this specification. Other examples may include any feature from any example, any feature from any example may be an alternative to other examples, or additionally any feature from any example may be combined with other features from other examples.

Diagnostic laboratories employ diagnostic instruments such as those used to test and analyze samples or specimens, including, for example, clinical chemistry analyzers, immunoassay analyzers, and blood analyzers. Samples and biological specimens are analyzed to, for example, examine the presence or absence of items of interest, including, for example, specific regions of DNA, mitochondrial DNA, specific regions of RNA, messenger RNA, transfer RNA, mitochondrial RNA, fragments, complement, peptides, enzymes, prions, proteins, antibodies, antigens, allergens, such as portions of biological entities like cells or viruses, surface proteins, and/or one or more of the above-mentioned functional equivalents. Many different tests can be used to analyze samples such as a patient's bodily fluids (e.g., serum, whole blood, urine, swabs, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, tissue solids) to provide information about the patient's health.

Generally, the analysis of a test sample involves the reaction of the test sample with one or more analytes and one or more reagents. The reaction mixture is analyzed by an apparatus for one or more properties, such as the presence and/or concentration of a particular analyte in the test sample. The use of automated diagnostic analyzers improves the efficiency of experimental procedures because technicians (e.g., operators) have fewer tasks to perform, and thus reduce the potential for operator or technician errors. Furthermore, automated diagnostic analyzers provide results more quickly and with increased accuracy and repeatability.

Automated diagnostic analyzers use multiple pipettes to move liquids between storage containers (e.g., receivers such as open tubes) and containers in which samples will be processed (e.g., reaction dishes). For example, a sample may be contained in a tube mounted on a rack on the analyzer, and a pipette-carrying tip moves the pipette into the tube, where a vacuum is applied to extract a selected amount of sample from the tube into the pipette. The tip then retracts the pipette from the tube and moves it to another tube or reaction dish located at the processing station, depositing the sample extracted from the pipette into the reaction dish. Reagents are similarly obtained from a reagent source.

The exemplary automated diagnostic analyzer disclosed herein positions a first disc conveyor belt (e.g., a reaction disc conveyor belt, a reagent disc conveyor belt, a sample disc conveyor belt) above at least a portion of a second disc conveyor belt (e.g., a reaction disc conveyor belt, a reagent disc conveyor belt, a sample disc conveyor belt) to reduce laboratory space, increase throughput, and reduce sample testing time (e.g., turnaround time). The exemplary automated diagnostic analyzer also positions one or more pipetting mechanisms within the outer diameter of one or more of the disc conveyor belts to further reduce the analyzer's size (e.g., coverage area) and the distance traveled by each pipetting mechanism. The exemplary automated diagnostic analyzer can simultaneously perform two or more tests on multiple test samples in a continuous and random access manner. Test steps such as aspiration/dispensing, incubation, washing, and sample dilution are performed automatically by the instrument according to a predetermined procedure. By utilizing vertically arranged or stacked disc conveyor belts, the required coverage area or footprint of the entire system is reduced. Additionally, the distance traveled by the pipetting mechanisms is reduced, which decreases turnaround time and thus increases the throughput of the exemplary analyzer. For example, in some examples, the exemplary analyzer disclosed herein performs up to approximately 956 tests per hour. Furthermore, because the disc conveyor belts are stacked vertically, disc conveyor belts with a larger diameter and therefore higher capacity compared to known analyzers can be incorporated into the exemplary analyzer. This higher-capacity analyzer occupies less space compared to lower-capacity analyzers with a coplanar disc conveyor belt configuration. The exemplary analyzer, with its smaller coverage area, higher throughput, and shorter turnaround time, is advantageous for operation in hospitals, laboratories, and other research facilities utilizing diagnostic analyzers.

The exemplary apparatus disclosed herein includes a first disc conveyor belt rotatably coupled to a base and having a first diameter and a first axis of rotation. The exemplary apparatus includes a second disc conveyor belt rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced above the first disc conveyor belt, such that at least a portion of the second disc conveyor belt is disposed above the first disc conveyor belt. In the exemplary apparatus, the second disc conveyor belt has a second diameter, a second axis of rotation, and a plurality of vessels. The exemplary apparatus also includes a first pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The exemplary first pipetting mechanism will approach the first and second disc conveyor belts. In some examples, the exemplary first pipetting mechanism is disposed within the first and second diameters and offset from the second axis of rotation.

In some examples, the first axis of rotation and the second axis are parallel to each other and offset. In some examples, the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a second pipetting mechanism that approaches a first and a second disc conveyor belt. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is positioned within a first diameter and outside a second diameter. In some examples, the first disc conveyor belt comprises an outer annular array of containers and an inner annular array of containers concentric with the outer annular array, and the first pipetting mechanism approaches at least one of at least one or more vessels in the inner annular array of containers, and the second pipetting mechanism approaches at least one of at least one or more vessels in the outer annular array of containers. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism includes a first pipette arm that is movable (e.g., rotated) over a first inner container in the inner annular array of containers and a first vessel among the plurality of vessels along a first travel path. In some such examples, the second pipetting mechanism includes a second pipette arm that is movable (e.g., rotated) over a second outer container in the outer annular array of containers and a second vessel among the plurality of vessels along a second travel path. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is offset from a first axis of rotation.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a third pipetting mechanism. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism will be located only near the first disc conveyor belt. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism is positioned within the first diameter and outside the second diameter. In some such examples, the third pipetting mechanism includes a third pipette arm that can move (e.g., rotate) along a third travel path above a container outside the first and second diameters and above a third of the plurality of vessels.

In some examples, the apparatus includes a plate coupled to a base disposed between a first disc conveyor belt and a second disc conveyor belt, the second disc conveyor belt being rotatably coupled to the plate. In some such examples, a second pipetting mechanism is coupled to the plate.

In some examples, the first disc conveyor belt also includes an intermediate annular array of containers that is radially spaced between the outer annular array and the inner annular array of containers.

In some examples, the second disc conveyor will rotate in multiple intervals, each interval including forward movement and a stop. In some such examples, the second disc conveyor is operable to rotate approximately 90° during forward movement in one of the intervals. In some examples, the stop of the second disc conveyor in one of the intervals is stationary, and the duration of this stop is longer than the duration of forward movement in the interval.

In some examples, the first disc conveyor belt will rotate in multiple intervals, each interval including forward movement and a stop. In some such examples, the first disc conveyor belt is operable to rotate approximately 180° during the forward movement in one of the intervals, the duration of which is approximately one second of that interval.

In some examples, the device includes a servo motor that rotates one or more of the first or second disc conveyor belts.

In some examples, the outer annular array of containers on the first disc conveyor belt contains reagents of a first type, and the inner annular array of containers on the first disc conveyor belt contains reagents of a second type, which are different from the reagents of the first type.

In some examples, the container on the first disc conveyor is a reagent container, and the vessel on the second disc conveyor is a reactor vessel. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism includes a probe arm with a vertically descending portion.

In another example disclosed herein, an apparatus includes a reagent disk conveyor belt rotatably coupled to a base about a first axis of rotation. An exemplary apparatus also includes a reaction disk conveyor belt rotatably coupled to the base about a second axis of rotation, the reaction disk conveyor belt being disposed above the reagent disk conveyor belt. Additionally, the exemplary apparatus includes a first pipette in fluid communication with both the reagent disk conveyor belt and the reaction disk conveyor belt.

Furthermore, in some examples disclosed herein, the exemplary apparatus includes a reagent container disposed on a reagent disc conveyor belt and reagents within the reagent container. Additionally, the exemplary apparatus includes a reaction dish disposed on a reaction disc conveyor belt. In such examples, a first pipette draws a portion of reagent from the reagent container, moves vertically upwards, and then dispenses that portion of reagent into the reaction dish.

In some examples, exemplary devices also include a second pipette that draws a sample from the sample container separately from the reagent disc conveyor and the reaction disc conveyor and dispenses the sample into a reactor dish.

The exemplary methods disclosed herein include rotating a first disc conveyor belt relative to a base, the first disc conveyor belt having a first diameter, a first axis of rotation, an outer annular array of containers, and an inner annular array of containers concentric with the outer annular array. The exemplary method includes rotating a second disc conveyor belt relative to a base, the second disc conveyor belt having a second diameter, a second axis of rotation, and a plurality of vessels vertically spaced above the first disc conveyor belt, such that at least a portion of the second disc conveyor belt is disposed above the first disc conveyor belt. The exemplary method further includes drawing fluid from the first disc conveyor belt via a first pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism is disposed within both the first and second diameters.

In some examples, the method includes drawing a second fluid from a first disc conveyor via a second pipetting mechanism. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is positioned within a first diameter and outside a second diameter. In some examples, the method further includes using the first pipetting mechanism to approach at least one of at least one or more vessels in an inner annular array of the container, and using the second pipetting mechanism to approach at least one of at least one or more vessels in an outer annular array of the container. In some examples, the method includes rotating a first pipetting arm of the first pipetting mechanism along a first travel path over a first inner container and a first vessel in the inner annular array of the container. In some such examples, the method further includes rotating a second pipetting arm of the second pipetting mechanism along a second travel path over a first outer container and a second vessel in the outer annular array of the container. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism is offset from a first axis of rotation.

In some examples, the method includes aspirating a third fluid via a third pipette. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism is positioned within a first diameter and outside a second diameter. In some such examples, the method includes rotating the third pipetting arm of the third pipetting mechanism along a third travel path over a container outside the first and second diameters and above a third of the plurality of vessels.

In some examples, the method includes rotating the second disc conveyor belt in multiple intervals, each interval including forward movement and a stop. In some such examples, the method includes rotating the second disc conveyor belt approximately 90° during the forward movement of one of the intervals. In some examples, the method includes idling the second disc conveyor belt during the stop of one of the intervals, the duration of which is longer than the duration of the forward movement of the interval.

In some examples, the method includes bringing a first pipetting mechanism close to a first vessel on a second disc conveyor belt, rotating the second disc conveyor belt at multiple intervals, and rotating the second disc conveyor belt two or more intervals so that the first pipetting mechanism approaches a second vessel that is physically adjacent to the first vessel.

In some examples, the method includes rotating a first disc conveyor belt in multiple intervals, each interval including forward movement and a stop. In some such examples, the method includes rotating the first disc conveyor belt approximately 180° during the forward movement of one of the intervals, the forward movement lasting approximately one second of that interval.

In some examples, the method includes activating a servo motor to rotate one or more of a first or second disc conveyor belt.

Turning now to the accompanying drawings, a portion of an exemplary automated diagnostic analyzer 100 is shown in partially exploded views Figures 1 and 3, and an assembled exemplary analyzer 100 is shown in Figures 2 and 4. The exemplary analyzer 100 includes a first disc conveyor belt 102 and a second disc conveyor belt 104. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first disc conveyor belt 102 and the second disc conveyor belt 104 are rotatably coupled independently to a base station 106. The base station 106 houses various components and other parts used for testing (e.g., performing diagnostic analyses), such as washing fluids, bulk reagents, vacuum sources, pressure sources, refrigeration systems, temperature sensors, processors, motors, etc.

In the example shown in Figures 1-4, the second disc conveyor belt 104 is vertically spaced above the first disc conveyor belt 102, and at least a portion of the second disc conveyor belt 104 is positioned above (e.g., on top of) the first disc conveyor belt 102. In the illustrated example, the first disc conveyor belt 102 is a reagent disc conveyor belt, and the second disc conveyor belt 104 is a reactor dish disc conveyor belt. The first disc conveyor belt 102 will support multiple reagent containers capable of storing one or more types of reagents. The second disc conveyor belt 104 is used to perform tests on samples. However, in other examples, either the first and/or second disc conveyor belts 102, 104 may hold reagents, samples, reactor dishes, or any combination thereof.

In the exemplary analyzer 100 shown in Figure 1, the base station 106 and other components have been removed to clearly show the first disc conveyor 102 and the second disc conveyor 104. In the example shown, the first disc conveyor 102 includes a plate with a plurality of slots 103a-n. In the example shown, the first disc conveyor 102 has perforations 105 (e.g., openings, pinholes, holes, etc.). In other examples, the first disc conveyor 102 may be continuous, such that the first disc conveyor 102 does not have perforations. In the example shown, each of the slots 103a-n will hold one or more containers or a container carrier having one or more containers. In the example shown, the second disc conveyor 104 is housed within a housing 107. In some examples, the second disc conveyor 104 is a reaction disc conveyor, and some diagnostic tests utilize light signals (e.g., during chemiluminescence analysis), and readouts during such tests are performed in a dark environment to efficiently read the light from the reaction. Therefore, in some examples, the second disc conveyor belt 104 is disposed within the housing 107 to prevent light from interfering with reading.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of an exemplary analyzer 100. In this example, a first disc conveyor 102 has an outer annular array of containers 108a-n traveling along a first annular path 109 and an inner annular array of containers 110a-n traveling along a second annular path 111. The outer annular array of containers 108a-n and the inner annular array of containers 110a-n are concentric. Some diagnostic tests involve a reagent, and other tests utilize a different reagent and/or two or more reagents to react with a given sample/sample. Therefore, in some examples, the outer annular array of containers 108a-n may contain, for example, a reagent of one type, and the inner annular array of containers 110a-n may contain, for example, a reagent of a second type, different from the first type of reagent. Furthermore, in some examples, one or more reagents of one or more types within one of the annular arrays 108a-n and 110a-n may be different between the different cylinders within that array.

In some examples, the first disc conveyor 102 has more than two annular arrays (e.g., three, four, or more) of containers radially spaced apart from each other on the first disc conveyor 102. In some examples, the containers are disposed in carriers loaded into slots 103a-n of the first disc conveyor 102. In some examples, each carrier may contain one, two, three, four, or more containers, and when disposed on the first disc conveyor 102, defines an annular array of containers. In some examples, the first disc conveyor 102 includes 72 slots 103a-n to receive up to 72 carriers. In other examples, the first disc conveyor 102 may include 45 slots 103a-n to receive up to 45 carriers. In some examples, each carrier (e.g., a toolbox) includes a volume of test liquid (e.g., reagent) to supply or support about 50 to about 1700 tests. Other examples include different numbers of slots, different numbers of carriers, and different volumes of test liquid.

In the illustrated example, the second disc conveyor 104 has a plurality of reaction dishes 112a-n arranged around the outer circumference of the second disc conveyor 104. In the illustrated example, the reaction dishes 112a-n are reusable transparent containers (e.g., washable glass containers). After testing is completed in one of the reaction dishes 112a-n, the dish 112a-n is cleaned (e.g., sterilized) and can be used for another test. However, in other examples, the reaction dishes 112a-n are disposable transparent containers (e.g., plastic containers) that are discarded after one or more tests. In some examples, the second disc conveyor 104 includes an unloading mechanism 113 (e.g., a passive or active unloader) for removing the reaction dishes 112a-n (e.g., disposable transparent containers) from the second disc conveyor 104. In some examples, the unloading mechanism 113 is positioned such that when one of the reactor vessels 112a-n is unloaded from the disc conveyor 104, the unloaded reactor vessel 112a-n falls through the bore 105 of the first disc conveyor 102 into a waste container or other receiver disposed within the base station 106. In some examples, the second disc conveyor 104 includes more than one unloading mechanism, and the unloading mechanism may be disposed at other locations surrounding the second disc conveyor 104.

Figure 3 shows a front view of a first disc conveyor 102 and a second disc conveyor 104 without a base station and other components. As shown, the first disc conveyor 102 rotates about a first axis 114, and the second disc conveyor 104 rotates about a second axis 116. In the example shown, the first axis 114 and the second axis 116 are substantially parallel to each other and offset. However, in other examples, the second disc conveyor 104 is positioned at the center of the first disc conveyor 102, such that the first axis 114 and the second axis 116 are substantially coaxially aligned (e.g., the first disc conveyor 102 and the second disc conveyor 104 are concentric).

As shown more clearly in Figure 2, the first disc conveyor belt 102 has a first diameter 118 and the second disc conveyor belt 104 has a second diameter 120. In the example shown, the second diameter 120 is smaller than the first diameter 118. However, in other examples, the second diameter 120 is the same as or larger than the first diameter 118. The second disc conveyor belt 104 includes a bore 122 such that the second disc conveyor belt forms an annular (e.g., ring-shaped) support for the vessels 112a-n. As shown in this example, the second disc conveyor belt 104 (e.g., the top disc conveyor belt) is completely positioned above and over the first diameter 118 of the first disc conveyor belt 102. In other examples, only a portion of the second diameter 120 is positioned above the first diameter 118.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the first disc conveyor belt 102 is rotatably coupled to the top 124 of the base station 106. The analyzer 100 includes a first motor 125 (e.g., a stepper motor or a servo motor) to rotate the first disc conveyor belt 102 on the top 124 of the base station 106. In the illustrated example, the analyzer 100 also includes a platform 126 (e.g., a plate, mounting surface, or cover) mounted to the base station 106 via a plurality of legs 128a, 128b and positioned between the first disc conveyor belt 102 and the second disc conveyor belt 104. In other examples, the platform 126 may be mounted to the base station 106 using other fasteners. The platform 126 defines a partition or barrier between the first disc conveyor belt 102 and the second disc conveyor belt 104. In the illustrated example, the second disc conveyor belt 104 is rotatably mounted to the platform 126. However, in other examples, the second disc conveyor 104 may be rotatably supported on the base station 106 without the mounting platform 126. The second disc conveyor 104 is rotated via a second motor 127 (e.g., a stepper motor or a servo motor). In the illustrated example, the first and second disc conveyors 102, 104 may rotate clockwise and/or counterclockwise according to a scheduling procedure for a particular test.

The exemplary automated diagnostic analyzers disclosed herein also include one or more pipetting mechanisms (e.g., probe arms, automated pipettes, etc.). In the illustrated example shown in Figures 1-4, analyzer 100 includes a first pipetting mechanism 130 coupled (e.g., mounted) to platform 126. The first pipetting mechanism 130 is coupled to platform 126 over a first disc conveyor 102 and within a bore 122 of a second disc conveyor 104 (i.e., within a first diameter 118 of the first disc conveyor 102 and a second diameter 120 of the second disc conveyor 104). In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism 130 is offset from a second axis 116 (e.g., the center of the second disc conveyor 104). However, in other examples, the first pipetting mechanism 130 is aligned with the second axis 116. The first pipetting mechanism 130 has multiple degrees of freedom. In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism 130 has a first probe arm 132 that moves in a first travel path (e.g., along a horizontal arc) 134 and/or draws/dispenses fluid through a first pipette 136 located at the distal end of the first probe arm 132. The first pipetting mechanism 130 may also move in the Z direction (e.g., vertical direction).

As shown in Figure 2, the first pipetting mechanism 130 approaches a container on the first disc conveyor 102 via a first proximity port 138 formed in the platform 126. The first proximity port 138 can be, for example, an opening, a hole, a gap, etc. In operation, the first pipetting mechanism 130 moves the first probe arm 132 along a first travel path 134 (e.g., rotates clockwise or pivots) until the first pipette 136 is aligned above the first proximity port 138. The first travel path 134 can be circular, semi-circular, linear, or a combination thereof. The first pipetting mechanism 130 then moves vertically downwards until the first pipette 136 approaches the container above the first disc conveyor 102 to aspirate/dispense liquid (including, for example, microparticles contained in the liquid) from the container. In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism 130 and the first proximity port 138 are positioned to allow the first pipetting mechanism 130 to aspirate from a container on the first disc conveyor 102 located below the first proximity port 138. A first disc conveyor belt 102 holds an outer annular array of containers 108a-n and an inner annular array of containers 110a-n, which may be, for example, a first reagent and a second reagent used in a diagnostic test. In the illustrated example, a first pipetting mechanism 130 is positioned (e.g., aligned) to aspirate fluid from containers in the inner annular array of containers 110a-n above the first disc conveyor belt 102. As shown, the inner annular array of containers 110a-n rotates along a second annular path 111, which intersects a first access port 138 and thus a second travel path 134. In the illustrated example, a silhouette of a carrier with two containers (e.g., an outer annular container and an inner annular container) is depicted near the first access port 138 to illustrate the interaction of the containers, the first access port 138, and/or the first travel path 134.

After fluid is drawn from a suitable container on the first disc conveyor belt 102, the first pipetting mechanism 130 moves vertically upward and moves the first probe arm 132 along the first travel path 134 (e.g., rotates or pivots clockwise) until the first pipette 136 is at point A, where the first pipette 136 is vertically aligned with one of a plurality of vessels 112a-n on the second disc conveyor belt 104. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism 130 dispenses liquid (e.g., liquid including any microparticles drawn from the container on the first disc conveyor belt 102) into the vessels 112a-n on the second disc conveyor belt 104 at this position (e.g., the height at which the first pipette 136 has traveled along the first travel path 134). In other examples, the first pipetting mechanism 130 moves vertically downward toward the second disc conveyor belt 104 and dispenses liquid into the vessels 112a-n on the second disc conveyor belt 104. In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism 130 has only one access point, a first access port 138, for accessing containers disposed on the first disc conveyor belt 102 below it. However, in other examples, the platform 126 includes multiple access ports along a first travel path 134, allowing the first pipette 136 to access additional areas on the first disc conveyor belt 102. In some examples, multiple annular arrays of containers (e.g., inner and outer arrays, or inner, intermediate, and outer arrays) are disposed at different radial distances on the first disc conveyor belt 102 (e.g., along the slot 103 shown in FIG. 1), and therefore, multiple access points along the first travel path 134 allow the first pipetting mechanism 130 to access these containers as needed and/or desired.

In the illustrated example, the analyzer 100 includes a second pipetting mechanism 140 coupled (e.g., mounted) to a platform 126. The second pipetting mechanism 140 is coupled to the platform 126 above and adjacent to (e.g., near) a second disc conveyor 104 (i.e., within the first diameter 118 of the first disc conveyor 102 and outside the second diameter 120 of the second disc conveyor 104). In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism 140 is offset from the first axis 114 of the first disc conveyor 102. However, in other examples, the second pipetting mechanism 140 is aligned with the first axis of rotation 114. The second pipetting mechanism 140 has multiple degrees of freedom. In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism 140 has a second probe arm 142 that moves along a second travel path 144 (e.g., rotates or pivots along a horizontal arc) to aspirate/dispense fluid through a second pipette 146 disposed at the distal end of the second probe arm 142. The second travel path 144 can be circular, semi-circular, linear, or a combination thereof. The second pipetting mechanism 140 can also move in the Z direction (e.g., vertical direction).

In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism 140 approaches a container on the first disc conveyor belt 102 via a second proximity port 148 formed in the platform 126. In operation, the second pipetting mechanism 140 moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the second probe arm 142 along a second travel path 144 until the second pipette 146 is aligned above the second proximity port 148. The second pipetting mechanism 140 then moves vertically downward for the second pipette 146 to approach the container on the first disc conveyor belt 102. In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism 140 and the second proximity port 148 are configured to allow the second pipetting mechanism to aspirate from a container on the first disc conveyor belt 102 disposed below the second proximity port 148. As described above, the first disc conveyor belt 102 includes an outer annular array of containers 108a-n and an inner annular array of containers 110a-n, which may be, for example, reagents used first and second in diagnostic testing. In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism 140 is positioned (e.g., aligned) to aspirate liquid, including any microparticles, from the outer annular array of containers 108a-n on the first disc conveyor 102. As shown, the outer annular array of containers 108a-n rotates along a first annular path 109, which intersects with the second proximity port 148 and thus with the second travel path 144. In the illustrated example, a silhouette of a carrier with two containers (e.g., an outer annular container and an inner annular container) is depicted near the second proximity port 148 to illustrate the interaction between the containers, the second proximity port 148, and/or the second travel path 144.

After drawing liquid and any associated microparticles from the appropriate container on the first disc conveyor 102, the second pipetting mechanism 140 moves vertically upward and moves the second probe arm 142 counterclockwise along the second travel path 144 (e.g., rotates or pivots) until the second pipette 146 is at point B, where the first pipette 146 is vertically aligned with one of the plurality of dishes 112a-n on the second disc conveyor 104. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism 140 dispenses liquid (e.g., liquid including any microparticles drawn from the container on the first disc conveyor 102) into the dishes 112a-n on the second disc conveyor 104 at this position (e.g., the height at which the second pipette 146 has traveled along the second travel path 144). In other examples, the second pipetting mechanism 140 moves vertically downward toward the second disc conveyor 104 and dispenses liquid into the dishes 112a-n on the second disc conveyor 104. In the illustrated example, the second pipetting mechanism 140 has only one access point, a second access port 148, for accessing a container disposed on the second disc conveyor 104 below it. However, in other examples, the platform 126 includes multiple access ports along a second travel path 144, allowing the second pipette 146 to access additional areas on the first disc conveyor 102. In some examples, multiple annular arrays of containers (e.g., inner and outer arrays, or inner, intermediate, and outer arrays) are disposed on the first disc conveyor 102 at different radial distances, and therefore, multiple access points along the second travel path 144 allow the second pipetting mechanism 140 to access the container as needed.

In the illustrated example, the analyzer 100 includes a third pipette mechanism 150. In the illustrated example, the third pipette mechanism 150 is coupled to the platform 126. In other examples, the first pipette mechanism 150 may be coupled to the top of the base station 126. In the illustrated example, the third pipette mechanism 150 is positioned outside the first diameter 118 of the first disc conveyor belt 102 and outside the second diameter 120 of the second disc conveyor belt 104. However, in other examples, the third pipette mechanism 150 is positioned within the first ametrine 118 of the first disc conveyor belt 102. In the illustrated example, the third pipette 150 is mounted horizontally above the first disc conveyor belt 102. Specifically, the third pipette mechanism 150 is mounted to the platform 126 above the first disc conveyor belt 102.

The third pipetting mechanism 150 has multiple degrees of freedom. In the illustrated example, the third pipetting mechanism 150 has a third probe arm 152 that rotates along a third travel path 154 (e.g., a horizontal arc) to aspirate/dispense liquid (e.g., a sample) at the distal end of the third probe arm 152 via a third pipette 156. The third travel path 154 can be circular, semi-circular, linear, or a combination thereof. The third pipetting mechanism 150 can also move in the Z direction (e.g., the vertical direction).

In the illustrated example, a third pipetting mechanism 150 may be used to dispense samples (e.g., test samples or general samples) into one or more of the vessels 112a-n on the second disc conveyor 104, for example. In some examples, the test sample is aspirated from a sample container (which may be in a carrier) along a third travel path 154 of the third pipetting mechanism 150. In some examples, the test sample is conveyed to the rear of the analyzer 100 via a conveyor or locator, and a third probe arm 152 moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) along the third travel path 154 to align the third pipetting mechanism 150 over the sample tube. After the sample is aspirated from the sample tube, the third pipetting mechanism 150 moves (e.g., rotates or pivots) the third probe arm 152 along the third travel path 154 until the third pipette 156 is at point C, at which point the third pipette 156 is vertically aligned over one of the reaction vessels 112a-n on the second disc conveyor 104. The third pipetting mechanism 150 moves vertically downward toward the second disc conveyor belt 104 and dispenses a sample into one of the vessels 112a-n on the second disc conveyor belt 104.

In the illustrated example, three pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, and 150 are used to perform automated testing. However, in other exemplary analyzers, more or fewer automated pipetting mechanisms (e.g., one, two, three, four, or five lamps) may be utilized. For example, a fourth pipetting structure may be present, which may also be used to dispense samples to one of the vessels 112a-n on the second disc conveyor 104. Furthermore, in some examples, one or more of the pipetting mechanisms may include dual probes to enable the pipetting structure to simultaneously aspirate and/or dispense from and/or into two containers and/or vessels. For example, using two probes on a third pipetting mechanism 150, the third pipetting mechanism 150 may dispense a first sample into a first vessel and a second sample into a second vessel. Additionally, in some examples, the pipetting mechanisms may be located in different positions to perform the steps for analysis. Moreover, in some exemplary analyzers, the pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, and 150 may aspirate from multiple sources and dispense to multiple locations (e.g., containers and vessels) along their respective paths of travel.

In the exemplary analyzer 100 shown in Figures 1-4, the first and second pipetting mechanisms 130, 140 have a larger Z-direction range (e.g., vertical range or stroke) compared to pipetting mechanisms in known analyzers because the first and second pipetting mechanisms 130, 140 are close to containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the lower level of the first disc conveyor 102 and dishes 112a-n on the higher level of the second disc conveyor 104. Therefore, in some examples, the height at which the pipettes 136, 146 draw liquid from the containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the first disc conveyor 102 (e.g., the vertical position of the tip of the pipette 136, 146) differs from the height at which the pipettes 136, 146 dispense liquid into the dishes 112a-n. Exemplary pipette tips 136, 146 are positioned at a first height close to containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the first disc conveyor 102 and at a second height close to vessels 112a-n on the first disc conveyor 102, the first height being lower than the second height (e.g., closer to the base 106). In some examples, each of the probe arms 132, 142 includes a downward or vertically descending portion 133, 143 to allow the pipetting mechanism 130, 140 to engage a standard-sized pipette or probe. In such examples, the downward portions 133, 143 of the probe arms 132, 142 further displace the pipette or probe from the probe arms 132, 142 to ensure that the pipette has approached the containers 108a-n, 110a-n on the first disc conveyor 102. With the downward portions 133 and 143, the pipette can approach the bottom of containers 108a-n and 110a-n on the first disc conveyor 102 without, for example, the platform 126 obstructing the downward or vertical descent of the probe arms 132 and 142. The use of standard-sized pipettes or probes reduces the impact of vibrations (e.g., from motors, mixers, etc.) on the pipette or probe compared to longer pipettes or probes, resulting in greater operational accuracy.

In some examples, the lengths of probe arms 132, 142, 152 and/or travel paths 134, 144, 154 are shorter than those of probe arms in some known analyzers. The reduced probe arm length in the illustrated examples reduces the impact of vibrations (e.g., from motors, mixers, etc.) on pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 because each pipette 136, 146, 156 is closer to the base of each pipetting mechanism 130, 140, 150, and therefore closer to the center of mass and more robust. The more robust probe arms 132, 142, 152 allow the exemplary pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 to operate with greater accuracy. The exemplary pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 can also operate at higher speeds because there is no need to wait for vibration decay or additional calming before operation of the pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150. In the illustrated example, the first, second, and third pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, and 150 include respective base assemblies 135, 145, and 155. In some examples, the base assemblies 135, 145, and 155 include drive components and other braking components to move the first, second, and third probe arms 132, 142, and 152 in the Z direction.

Although the first and second disk conveyor belts 102 and 104 are disclosed herein as reagent disk conveyor belts and reaction disk conveyor belts, respectively, the teachings of this disclosure can be applied to examples in which the first disk conveyor belt 102 and/or the second disk conveyor belt 104 includes reagents, reaction dishes, and/or samples. Thus, the first disk conveyor belt 102 may be a reaction disk conveyor belt including a plurality of reaction dishes, and the second disk conveyor belt 104 may be a reagent disk conveyor belt including a plurality of reagent containers having one or more reagents for reacting with a sample in a reaction dish.

In the illustrated example, the analyzer 100 also includes additional modules or components for performing different steps during the test, such as mixers for mixing, light sources for illuminating the test dishes, readers for analyzing the test samples, and washing areas for cleaning the dishes. As shown in FIG2, the exemplary analyzer 100 includes a reader 158, multiple mixers 160a-d, and a washing station 162 for cleaning the test dishes. In some examples, the test dishes 112a-n are cleaned at the washing station 162 at point D. In some examples, the mixers 160a-d (e.g., in-track vortexers (ITV)) are coupled to a platform 126 disposed between the first disc conveyor belt 102 and the second disc conveyor belt 104, which may, for example, attenuate the vibration effect of the mixers 160a-d and reduce their impact on the pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 and other components of the analyzer 100. In some examples, mixers 160a-d are positioned below vessels 112a-n on the second disc conveyor 104. In some examples, analyzer 100 includes one or more washing zones coupled to platform 126 and positioned along first, second, and/or third travel paths 134, 144, 154. In some examples, pipettes 136, 146, 156 are cleaned between aspiration/dispensing functions within the washing zones.

In the illustrated example, the first and second disc conveyor belts 102, 104 rotate intermittently or in locksteps during diagnostic testing. Each interval has a forward step in which the disc conveyor belts move and a stop step in which the disc conveyor belts are idle. Depending on the type of diagnostic test performed, the disc conveyor belts 102, 104 may have different lockstep durations and the number of degrees of rotation traversed during the forward step. In the illustrated example, the second disc conveyor belt 104 has a lockstep duration of approximately four seconds (a combination of forward and stop steps) (i.e., the second disc conveyor belt 104 rotates to different positions incrementally every four seconds). During the forward step of the lockstep, the second disc conveyor belt 104 rotates approximately 90° (e.g., approximately a quarter turn). In other examples, the second disc conveyor belt 104 may rotate more or less depending on the scheduling procedures involved for a particular analyzer and/or for a particular diagnostic test procedure. In some examples, the second disc conveyor belt 104 rotates from approximately 1° to approximately 15° during the forward step of the lockstep. In other examples, the second disc conveyor belt rotates approximately 15° to approximately 90° during the forward step of the locking step.

In the illustrated example, the forward capture may occur during approximately one second of the four-second locking step, and the second disc conveyor 104 may remain idle (e.g., stationary) for approximately three seconds during the stop step of the locking step. During these three seconds, the first, second, and third pipetting mechanisms 130, 140, 150 aspirate and/or dispense liquid (e.g., simultaneously or sequentially), including any microparticles contained therein, and other functional modules operate around the disc conveyors 102, 104. Some functional modules, such as the reader 158, also operate during the forward step of the locking step. Alternatively or additionally, the reader 158 operates during the stop step of the locking step.

In some examples, the first disc conveyor 102 has a locking step time of approximately two seconds. For each locking step, the first disc conveyor 102 rotates for one second (e.g., forward step) and idles (e.g., remains stationary) for one second (e.g., stop step). The locking step time for the first disc conveyor 102 is half the locking step time for the second disc conveyor 104, such that the first disc conveyor 102 can be repositioned during one locking step of the second disc conveyor 104, and the second reagent can be drawn from the first disc conveyor 102 and dispensed into the second disc conveyor 104 during one locking step of the second disc conveyor 104. For example, the second reagent containers on the outer annular array of containers 108a-n and the second reagent containers on the inner annular array of containers 110a-n can be on the same radial slots 103a-n as the first disc conveyor 102. In this example, if both reagents are used during a single locking step of the second disc conveyor 104, but during the first locking step of the first disc conveyor 102, the second pipetting mechanism 140 can aspirate the reagent from the outer annular array of containers 108a-n. After the second pipette 146 has left the container, the first disc conveyor 102 rotates to its second locking step position, such that the first pipetting mechanism 130 can aspirate its desired reagent from the inner annular array of containers 110a-n during the same locking step of the second disc conveyor 104. In some examples, depending on the position of the pipetting mechanism, the first disc conveyor 102 rotates approximately 180° to the next position, so that the next pipetting mechanism can aspirate and dispense according to the test procedure. Therefore, both the first and second pipetting mechanisms 130 and 140 can aspirate from containers in any of the slots 103a-n of the first disc conveyor 102 during a single locking step of the second disc conveyor 104. Additionally, in some examples, the first and second pipetting mechanisms 130, 140 may interact with the first disk conveyor 102 during the stop step portion of the locking step of the first disk conveyor 102, while the second disk conveyor 104 rotates during the forward step of the locking step of the second disk conveyor 104.

Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary analyzer 500 with an alternative configuration of a disc conveyor and a pipetting mechanism. In this example, the analyzer 500 includes a first disc conveyor 502 and a second disc conveyor 504, each rotatably coupled to a base 506. The second disc conveyor 504 is disposed above and above the first disc conveyor 502. The first disc conveyor 502 may be, for example, a reagent disc conveyor with multiple reagent containers, and the second disc conveyor 504 may be, for example, a reaction disc conveyor with multiple reaction vessels.

In the illustrated example, the first disc conveyor 502 has an outer annular section 508 for containers and an inner annular section 510 for containers. In some examples, the container on the outer annular section 508 may be, for example, a reagent container holding a first reagent to be used in a first step of the testing process, and the container on the inner annular section 510 may be, for example, a reagent container holding a second reagent to be used in a second step of the testing process and/or in a second testing process different from the first testing process.

As shown, the first disc conveyor belt 502 has a first bore 512 and a first diameter 514, and the second disc conveyor belt 504 has a first bore 516 and a second diameter 518. In this example, the center of the second disc conveyor belt 504 is offset from the center of the first disc conveyor belt 502 and is within the first diameter 516 (i.e., the second disc conveyor belt 504 is vertically arranged above the first disc conveyor belt 502 and located within the outer boundary of the first disc conveyor belt 502).

The analyzer 500 includes a first pipetting mechanism 520 disposed within a first diameter 514 of a first disc conveyor 502 and a second diameter 518 of a second disc conveyor 504. In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism 520 is also disposed within a first bore 512 of the first disc conveyor 502 and a second bore 516 of the second disc conveyor 504. In some examples, the first pipetting mechanism 520 is mounted to a base 506. In other examples, the first pipetting mechanism 520 is mounted to a platform disposed between the first disc conveyor 502 and the second disc conveyor 504. In the illustrated example, the first pipetting mechanism 520 moves in the Z direction (e.g., vertically) and rotates or otherwise moves within a first probe arm radius or range of motion 522 to aspirate/dispense a liquid comprising microparticles. The first probe arm radius 522 extends over a portion of the inner annular section 510 of the first disc conveyor belt 502 and over a portion of the second disc conveyor belt 504, such that the first pipetting mechanism 520 can aspirate/dispense from/to containers or dishes disposed on the inner annular section 510 of the first disc conveyor belt 502 and/or containers or dishes disposed on the second disc conveyor belt 504. Therefore, the first pipetting mechanism 520 can be used, for example, to aspirate reagents from containers on the first disc conveyor belt 502 and to dispense reagents into reaction dishes on the second disc conveyor belt 504.

The analyzer 500 includes a second pipetting mechanism 524 disposed outside a first diameter 514 of a first disc conveyor 502 and outside a second diameter 518 of a second disc conveyor 504. In some examples, the second pipetting mechanism 524 is mounted to a base 506. In other examples, the second pipetting mechanism 524 is mounted to a platform disposed between the second disc conveyor 502 and the second disc conveyor 504. The second pipetting mechanism 524 moves in the Z direction (e.g., vertically) and rotates or otherwise moves within the radius or range of motion 526 of the second probe arm to aspirate/dispense fluid.

As shown, the radius 526 of the second probe arm extends above a portion of the outer annular section 508 of the first disc conveyor belt 502 and a portion of the second disc conveyor belt 504, such that the second pipetting mechanism 524 can aspirate/dispense from/to containers or dishes disposed on the outer annular section 508 of the first disc conveyor belt 502 and/or containers or dishes disposed on the second disc conveyor belt 504. Therefore, the second pipetting mechanism 524 can be used, for example, to aspirate reagents from containers on the first disc conveyor belt 502 and to dispense reagents into reaction dishes on the second disc conveyor belt 504.

An exemplary analyzer 500 includes a third pipetting mechanism 528 disposed outside a first diameter 514 of a first disc conveyor 502 and outside a second diameter 518 of a second disc conveyor 504. In some examples, the third pipetting mechanism 528 is mounted to a base 506. In other examples, the third pipetting mechanism 528 is mounted to a platform disposed between the first disc conveyor 502 and the second disc conveyor 504. The third pipetting mechanism 528 moves and rotates in the Z direction (e.g., vertically) or additionally moves to aspirate/dispense fluid within a third probe arm radius 530. As shown, the third probe arm radius or range of motion 530 extends over a portion of the outer annular section 508 of the first conveyor 502, a portion of the second disc conveyor 504, and the area outside the base 506 of the analyzer 500. The third pipetting mechanism 528 can be used, for example, to draw a sample from a test sampling tube located outside the base 506 (e.g., from another part of the analyzer 500) and dispense the sample into a container or dish on the second disc conveyor 504.

In the example shown, the inner annular segment 510 and the outer annular segment 508 are formed in the same disc conveyor 502 and therefore rotate together. However, in other examples, the inner annular segment 510 and the outer annular segment 508 may be separate disc conveyors that can rotate independently in either direction.

As shown, the first, second, and third pipetting mechanisms 520, 524, and 528 are disposed within the first and second diameters 514 and 518 and/or in the corners of the base 506. Additionally, the first disc conveyor belt 502 and the second disc conveyor belt 504 are stacked. Therefore, the coverage area of the exemplary analyzer 500 is smaller than that of an analyzer with coplanar disc conveyor belts.

Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary processing system 600 used by an automated diagnostic analyzer, such as analyzers 100 and 500 disclosed above. The exemplary processing system 600 includes a station/instrument controller 602 that controls the instruments and mechanisms used during diagnostic testing. In the illustrated example, the station/instrument controller 602 is communicatively coupled to instruments 604a-n. Instruments 640a-n may include components of, for example, the exemplary analyzer 100 disclosed above, including a first pipetting mechanism 130, a second pipetting mechanism 140, a third pipetting mechanism 150, ITVs 160a-d, a washing area 162, and/or a reader 158. The exemplary processing system 600 includes an exemplary processor 606 that operates the station/instrument controller 602 and thus the instruments 604a-n according to a schedule or test procedure, as disclosed herein.

The exemplary processing system 600 also includes a disc conveyor controller 608 that controls one or more disc conveyors of the analyzer. In the illustrated example, the disc conveyor controller 608 is communicatively coupled to a first disc conveyor 610 and a second disc conveyor 612. The first disc conveyor 610 and the second disc conveyor 612 may correspond, for example, to the first and second disc conveyors 102, 104 disclosed above in conjunction with the exemplary analyzer 100. The disc conveyor controller 608 uses, for example, a motor (e.g., motors 125, 127 disclosed in conjunction with analyzer 100) to control the rotation of the first and second disc conveyors 610, 612. Furthermore, the exemplary processor 606 operates the disc conveyor controller 608 and thus the disc conveyors 610, 612 according to a schedule or test procedure.

The exemplary processing system 600 also includes a database 614 that stores information relating to the operation of the exemplary system 600. This information may include, for example, test procedures, reagent identification information, reagent volume information, sample identification information, positional information relating to the sample's location (e.g., reactor dish, locking step, and/or rotation), status information relating to the contents and/or location of the reactor dish, pipetting position information, disk conveyor position information, locking step duration information, etc.

The exemplary processing system 600 also includes a user interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI) 616. An operator or technician interacts with the processing system 600 and therefore the analyzers 100, 500 via the interface 616 to obtain, for example, commands related to test procedures, information related to the samples to be tested, information related to reagents or other fluids to be used in the tests, etc. The interface 616 can also be used by the operator to obtain information related to the status and/or results of any tests completed and/or in progress.

In the illustrated example, system components 602, 606, 608, and 614 are communicatively connected to other components of the exemplary system 600 via communication link 618. Communication link 618 can be any type of wired connection (e.g., data bus, USB connection, etc.) and/or any type of wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency, infrared, etc.) using any past, present, or future communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc.). Furthermore, components of the exemplary system 600 can be integrated into a single device or distributed across two or more devices.

While Figure 6 illustrates exemplary implementations of the analyzers 100 and 500 of Figures 1-5, one or more of the elements, processes, and/or devices shown in Figure 6 may be combined, divided, rearranged, omitted, eliminated, and/or implemented in any other way. Furthermore, the exemplary workstation/instrument controller 602, exemplary instruments 604a-n, exemplary processor 606, exemplary disc conveyor controller 608, exemplary first disc conveyor 610, exemplary second disc conveyor 612, exemplary database 614, exemplary graphical user interface 616, and/or more generally, exemplary processing system 600 of Figure 6 may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, and/or any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Therefore, for example, the exemplary workstation/instrument controller 602, exemplary instruments 604a-n, exemplary processor 606, exemplary disc conveyor controller 608, exemplary first disc conveyor 610, exemplary second disc conveyor 612, exemplary database 614, exemplary graphical user interface 616, and/or more generally exemplary processing system 600 can be implemented using one or more analog or digital circuits, logic circuits, programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), and/or field-programmable logic devices (FPLDs). When reading any of the device or system claims of this patent that will cover pure software and/or firmware implementations, the exemplary workstation/instrument controller 602, exemplary instruments 604a-n, exemplary processor 606, exemplary disc conveyor controller 608, exemplary first disc conveyor 610, exemplary second disc conveyor 612, exemplary database 614, and/or exemplary graphical user interface 616 are therefore expressly defined as including tangible computer-readable storage devices, such as memory, digital universal disk (DVD), compact disk (CD), Blu-ray storage disk, etc., which store software and/or firmware. Furthermore, the exemplary processing system 600 of FIG. 6 may include one or more elements, processes, and/or devices other than or alternative to those shown in the figures, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the elements, processes, and devices shown.

Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 700 for implementing the analyzer 100, 500, and/or processing system 600 of Figures 1-6. In this example, the method may be implemented as machine-readable instructions comprising a program for execution by a processor, such as processor 912 shown below in conjunction with the exemplary processor platform 900 discussed in conjunction with Figure 9. The program may be embodied as software stored on a tangible computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard disk, digital universal disk (DVD), Blu-ray disk, or memory associated with processor 912; however, the entire program and/or portions thereof may alternatively be executed by a device other than processor 912 and/or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Furthermore, while the exemplary program is described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 7, many other methods for implementing the exemplary analyzer 100, 500, and/or processing system 600 may be used alternatively. For example, the execution order of each block may be changed and/or certain changes, eliminations, or combinations of said blocks may be made.

As described above, the exemplary process 700 of FIG7 can be implemented using encoded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine-readable instructions) stored on a tangible computer-readable storage medium, such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), compact disk drive (CD), digital universal disk drive (DVD), cache, random access memory (RAM), and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for an extended period of time, permanently, for a short period of time, for temporary buffering, and/or for caching information). The term tangible computer-readable storage medium, as used herein, is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and/or storage disk and excludes propagating signals. As used herein, "tangible computer-readable storage medium" and "tangible machine-readable storage medium" are used interchangeably. Alternatively or concurrently, the exemplary process 700 of FIG7 may be implemented using encoded instructions (e.g., computer and/or machine-readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer and/or machine-readable medium, such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, read-only memory, compact disk, digital universal disk, cache, random access memory, and/or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for an extended period of time, permanently, for a short period of time, for temporary buffering, and/or for caching information). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer-readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device or storage disk and excludes propagating signals. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as a transitional term in the preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same way as the term “comprising”.

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary process 700 for a diagnostic test, which may be implemented by, for example, the exemplary analyzers 100, 500 and/or processing system 600 disclosed herein. The exemplary process 700 of Figure 7 is described from the perspective of operation for a single reactor dish as it rotates on a disc conveyor belt of the analyzer through multiple locking steps. However, the exemplary process 700 is implemented simultaneously and/or sequentially for multiple reactor dishes. The exemplary diagnostic test may be, for example, a clinical chemistry test. The exemplary analyzer 100 disclosed above includes a reaction disc conveyor belt (e.g., a second disc conveyor belt 104) having multiple reactor dishes. In some examples, the reaction disc conveyor belt has reactor dishes (e.g., small transparent glass containers) spaced 187 around the outer circumference of the second disc conveyor belt. The reaction disc conveyor belt rotates in locking steps (e.g., at discrete intervals). During each locking step, the reaction disc conveyor belt rotates approximately one-quarter (e.g., 90°) revolutions counterclockwise. In this example, during each locking step, the reaction disc conveyor rotates (e.g., via a motor) for one second and remains idle (e.g., stationary) for three seconds.

In the exemplary process 700, the variable X represents the number of complete rotations of the reaction disk conveyor belt, which is set to 0 at the start of the exemplary process 700, and N1, N2, N3, and N4 represent the predetermined timings of the functions or test operations to be performed. Specifically, in this example, N1, N2, N3, and N4 are integers representing the number of locking steps that will be used to trigger the execution of each function or test operation. In other words, when N1 locking steps have been performed or completed, a first function or test operation can be performed; when N2 locking steps have been performed or completed, a second function or test operation can be performed, and so on. As described above, the reaction disk conveyor belt has locking step rotations of slightly more than a quarter revolution. In some examples, this rotation causes a given reactor vessel to shift beyond its position in the previous rotation after four locking steps or one full rotation.

An exemplary process includes a locking step _4X+1 (block 702). X is zero before a full rotation has occurred, and this is the first locking step (i.e., locking step _(4*0)+1 ). In this first locking step, if 4X+1 = N1, a function is performed on the reactor dish (block 704). As described above, N1 represents a timing or locking step when a specific function or test operation is performed in conjunction with the reactor dish. For example, in the exemplary analyzer 100 disclosed above, a third pipetting mechanism 150 is positioned near the reaction disc conveyor 104 and will dispense a sample into the reactor dish at point C. In some examples, the first locking step for a given test in a given reactor dish occurs when the reactor dish is at point C. Therefore, the function N1 for dispensing the sample can be set to 1 such that if this is the first locking step for the reactor dish (block 704), the function is performed (block 706) (i.e., dispensing a sample into the reactor dish) because 4X+1 = N1 (e.g., (4*0)+1). In subsequent rotations, where N1 continues to be set to 1 and X is not zero, the reactor dish is idle (box 708), and for example, no function is performed on the reactor dish by the operator or robotic mechanism of the exemplary analyzers 100, 500 at this locking step because 4X+1≠N1 (e.g., (4*0)+1≠1). Therefore, in this example, if the function will only occur at the first locking step (e.g., sample allocation), the exemplary system will remain idle during each subsequent occurrence of the first locking step during subsequent rotations (e.g., when X>1) until, for example, the reactor dish is washed and ready for subsequent testing and X is reset to zero for subsequent implementation of the exemplary process 700.

Exemplary process 700 includes advancing to the next locking step (block 710) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents of any reactor dishes passing through the reader. As described above, the reaction disk conveyor rotates approximately one-quarter revolutions during each locking step. In some examples, the reaction disk conveyor rotates for approximately one second out of the four-second locking step time. During this advance in the locking step, approximately one-quarter of the reactor dishes on the reaction disk conveyor pass in front of an analyzer (e.g., analyzer 158) where the contents of the reactor dishes are analyzed. During the first few locking steps, all or most of the reactor dishes may be empty. However, in some examples, the reader continues reading even if the acquired data is not used. By performing readings during each locking step, the reader acquires a full range of readings during each reaction as the reaction proceeds. In other examples, the reader may delay readings by a predetermined amount of time and/or after a predetermined number of reactor dishes have been filled with sample and/or reagent.

An exemplary process includes a locking step _4X+2 (block 712). Assuming no full rotation has occurred, X is zero and this is the second locking step (i.e., locking step _(4*0)+2 ). During the second locking step, if 4X+2 = N2, a second function or test operation is performed in conjunction with the reactor dish (block 714). Similar to N1, N2 represents a specific timing of the specific function or test operation to be performed in conjunction with the reactor dish. For example, in the exemplary analyzer 100 disclosed above, a second pipetting mechanism 140 is positioned near the second disc conveyor 104 and dispenses a first reagent into the reactor dish at point B. In some examples, the first disc conveyor 102 includes an outer annular array of containers, such as the reagent used for the first reagent. The second pipetting mechanism 140 draws liquid from one of the containers on the outer annular array and dispenses it into the reactor dish on the second disc conveyor at point B. In some examples, the reagent will be dispensed into the reactor dish during the second locking step, where the first locking step includes adding the reagent to the reactor dish. Therefore, for the function of dispensing the first reagent, N2 can be set to 2 such that if this is the second locking step for the reactor dish (block 714), the function (block 716) is executed, and the first reagent is dispensed into the reactor dish (block 716), because 4X + 2 = N2 (e.g., (4*0) + 1 = N2). If X is not zero, for example, during subsequent rotations, the reactor dish is idle (block 718), and the function is not executed on the reactor dish by the operator or robotic mechanism of the exemplary analyzers 100, 500, for example, at this locking step, because 4X + 2 ≠ N2 (e.g., (4*1) + 1 ≠ 2). Therefore, in this example, if the function will only occur at the second locking step (e.g., dispensing the first reagent), the exemplary system will remain idle during each subsequent occurrence of the second locking step during subsequent rotations until, for example, the reactor dish is washed and ready for subsequent testing and X is reset to zero for subsequent implementation of the exemplary process 700.

The exemplary process 700 includes proceeding to the next locking step (block 720) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents of the reactor dish. During this advance in the locking step, approximately one-quarter of the reactor dish passes in front of an analyzer (e.g., analyzer 158) where the contents of the reactor dish are analyzed.

An exemplary process includes a locking step _4X+3 (box 722). Assuming no full rotation has occurred, X is zero and this is the third locking step (i.e., locking step ( _4*0)+3 ). During the third locking step, if 4X+3 = N3, a third function or test operation is performed in conjunction with the reactor dish (box 724). Similar to N1 and N2, N3 represents a specific timing or locking step for the specific function or test operation to be performed in conjunction with the reactor dish. For example, in the exemplary analyzer 100 disclosed above, a first pipetting mechanism 130 is positioned within a second diameter 120 of a second disc conveyor 104 and dispenses a second reagent into a reactor dish on the second disc conveyor 104 at point A. In some examples, the first disc conveyor 102 includes an inner annular array of containers 110a-n, such as the reagent used for the second reagent. The first pipetting mechanism 130 draws liquid from one of the containers on the inner annular array of containers 110a-n and dispenses the liquid into the reactor dish at point A. Therefore, the function to dispense the second reagent can be activated for a specific vessel by setting N3 to any number of locking steps. In some examples, diagnostic tests involve adding a sample to the vessel, adding the first reagent to the vessel, and then incubating for a certain period of time before dispensing the second reagent. In some examples, N3 can be set to 79 such that when the second reagent is added, the vessel will be in the 79th locking step or the third locking step after the 19th rotation of the test (i.e., X = 19). Assuming each locking step is approximately four seconds, the contents of the vessel are incubated for approximately five minutes before the second reagent is dispensed into the vessel. Therefore, the function to dispense the second reagent can be triggered by setting N3 to 79 such that at the 79th locking step (block 724), the function (block 728) is executed and the second reagent is dispensed into the vessel, since 4X + 3 = N3 (e.g., (4 * 19) + 3 = 79). If X is not 19, for example, during a previous or subsequent rotation, the reactor dish is idle (box 726), and the function is not performed on the reactor dish by the operator or robotic mechanism of the exemplary analyzers 100, 500, for example, at this locking step, because 4X+3≠N3 (e.g., (4*19)+3≠79). Therefore, in this example, if the function will only occur at the 79th locking step, i.e., the third locking step of the 19th rotation (e.g., dispensing the second reagent), the system will remain idle during each previous and subsequent occurrence of the third locking step during previous and subsequent rotations until, for example, the reactor dish is washed and ready for subsequent testing and X is reset to zero for subsequent implementation of the exemplary process 700.

Exemplary process 700 includes proceeding to the next locking step (block 730) and reading (e.g., analyzing) the contents of any reactor vessel through a reader.

An exemplary process includes a locking step _4X+4 (block 732). X is zero before a full rotation has occurred, and this is the fourth locking step (i.e., locking step _(4*0)+4 ) (block 732). During this fourth locking step, if 4X+4 = N4, another function or test operation can be performed on the reactor dish (block 734). Similar to N1, N2, and N3, N4 represents a specific timing of the specific function or test operation to be performed on the reactor dish. For example, in the exemplary analyzer 100 disclosed above, the washing zone 162 is configured to wash the reactor dish at point D. In some examples, the reactor dish is washed after the test has been completed in the reactor dish. Therefore, N4 can be set to any number to trigger the washing of the dish. In some examples, a complete test of a given sample occurs within 37 full rotations of the disc conveyor belt. Therefore, N4 can be set to 152 such that the reactor dish is washed when X = 37 (box 738), because 4X + 4 = N3 (e.g., (4 * 38) + 4 = 156). If X is not 37, for example, during the previous 36 rotations, the reactor dish is idle (box 736), and the function is not performed on the reactor dish by the operator of the exemplary analyzer 100, 500 or any robotic mechanism, for example, at this locking step, because 4X + 4 ≠ N4 (e.g., (4 * 0) + 4 ≠ 156). Therefore, in this example, if the function will only occur at the 156th locking step, i.e., the fourth locking step of the 37th rotation (e.g., washing the reactor dish), the exemplary system will remain idle during each previous occurrence of the fourth locking step during the previous rotations. Once the reactor dish is washed and ready for subsequent testing, X is set to zero for subsequent implementation of the exemplary process 700.

As described above, in some examples, if the reactor vessel is washed (box 740), process 700 ends (box 742), and a clean reactor vessel is available for subsequent testing. If the diagnostic test is not completed, the reactor vessel is idle (box 740), and the reaction disk conveyor advances to the next locking step (box 744). An exemplary process includes continuing with a locking step _4X+1 (box 702), where "1" has been added to X because one full rotation has occurred. Therefore, the start of the second rotation, i.e., the first locking step of the second rotation, would be the fifth locking step (i.e., locking step _(4*1)+1 ) (box 702). This process 700 can continue as many times as determined by the test procedure and scheduling sequence.

Furthermore, this example is viewed from the perspective of a single reaction vessel progressing through a diagnostic test. However, multiple other reactions may occur during the same locking step and can also be performed using this process. While the locking step triggers N1, N2, N3, and N4 are described above as being associated with the addition of the sample, the first reagent, the second reagent, and the washing area, respectively, N1-N4 can be associated with any function, test operation, or instrumentation used in the diagnostic test, such as an in-orbit vortex mixer (e.g., a mixer), a baker (e.g., a heat source), etc. Therefore, process 700 allows for customization of the diagnostic test regarding the timing and sequencing of various functions performed in conjunction with one or more vessels and the sample placed within them.

Additionally, this example includes functions N1, N2, N3, and N4 for each locking step during each rotation. However, in other examples, more than one function may be arranged for each locking step and differentiated according to the number of rotations completed. For example, a first function may be performed during the first locking step of the first rotation, and a second function may be performed during the fifth locking step (i.e., the first locking step of the second rotation).

Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary timeline 800, representing the timing of the use of a number of specific functions performed during diagnostic testing, such as those performed in the exemplary analyzers 100 and 500 disclosed above. The exemplary analyzer 100 disclosed above includes a third pipetting mechanism 150 for dispensing a sample at point C, a second pipetting mechanism 140 for dispensing a first reagent at point B, a first pipetting mechanism 130 for dispensing a second reagent at point B, and a washing area 162 for washing the reaction dish at point D. For illustrative purposes, it is assumed that a number of tests will be performed continuously and/or simultaneously, starting from the first sample dispensed into the first reaction dish at T1. In some examples, the reaction disk conveyor rotates in discrete locking steps. At each locking step, the third pipetting mechanism dispenses sample 802 into the reaction dish at point C. As shown, this function continues from T1 to T7. For example, if 187 tests are to be performed in 187 reactor dishes on a reaction disc conveyor belt, a third pipetting mechanism dispenses one sample into each reactor dish at each locking step until all samples have been dispensed. Therefore, in some examples, T7 could represent the form when the last sample is dispensed into the reactor dish or the locking step at that point.

The exemplary timeline 800 also includes dispensing the first reagent 804 at point B using a second pipetting mechanism. As described above, in some examples, the first reagent will be dispensed into a reactor dish (i.e., the reactor dish containing the sample) previously at point C. In this example, the second pipetting mechanism dispenses the first reagent into the reactor dish at point B at time or locking step T2. In this example, T2 may be a locking step following the locking step during which the sample is added to the first reactor dish. The second pipetting mechanism continues dispensing the first reagent until T8, which may, for example, be a locking step after the last sample is dispensed into the last reactor dish (i.e., once the first reagent has been added to each sample).

An exemplary timeline 800 includes reading 806 reactor dishes. In some examples, the reader analyzes reactor dishes as they pass in front of the reader during the advance portion of a locking step. Thus, assuming each locking step rotates approximately a quarter revolution, and the reaction disc conveyor has 187 reactor dishes, approximately 47 reactor dishes pass in front of the reader during each locking step. During the first few locking steps of a diagnostic test, all or most of the reactor dishes passing in front of the reader are empty. Therefore, as shown in this example, the reader begins reading at time or locking step T4, which could be, for example, when the first reactor dish with the sample and reagent passes in front of the reader. Each reactor dish is analyzed with each rotation. In some examples, a complete diagnostic test requires 38 readings and therefore 38 full rotations. Therefore, the reader continues reading until T10, which could be, for example, when the last reactor dish to be dispensed has been read 38 times.

An exemplary timeline 800 includes dispensing a second reagent 808 via a first pipetting mechanism starting at time or lockout step T5. In some examples, the test sample and the first reagent react for a period of time, and then the second reagent is added. To ensure sufficient incubation time, the second reagent may be dispensed after a set time period or lockout step number T5. Starting at T5, the first pipetting mechanism dispenses the second reagent into the reactor dish at point A. This continues until T9, which may be, for example, when the last reactor dish reaches point A and therefore all reactor dishes have the second reagent dispensed therein.

The exemplary timeline 800 also includes a wash 810 at point D. In the exemplary analyzer 100, wash zone 162 washes the reactor vessels at point D. As described above, some reactions may occur within 38 full rotations. After the 38th rotation, the reaction is washed away from the reactor vessel. Therefore, washing begins at T6, which may be, for example, the time when the first reactor vessel has completed its full 38-rotation test or a locking step. Wash 810 continues to wash each vessel until T11, which may be, for example, when the last reaction has completed its 38-rotation test.

The functions shown in Figure 8 can operate simultaneously as the reaction disc conveyor belt rotates, and different timing sequences can be determined based on the type of test to be performed and the type of procedure to be executed. Furthermore, the functions can operate continuously. For example, if the first reaction vessel is washed at T7, a sample can be dispensed into the first reaction vessel at T8 for subsequent testing, and the remaining functions can continue.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary processor platform 900 capable of executing one or more instructions of Figure 7 to implement one or more portions of the apparatus and/or system of Figures 1-6. The processor platform 900 may be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a mobile device (e.g., a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer such as an iPad ^™ ), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet device, and/or any other type of computing device.

The processor platform 900 shown in the example includes a processor 912. The processor 912 shown in the example is hardware. For example, the processor 912 can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer.

The processor 912 of the illustrated example includes local memory 913 (e.g., a cache). The processor 912 of the illustrated example communicates via bus 918 with main memory, including ideological memory 814 and non-volatile memory 916. Ideological memory 914 may be implemented using synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), RAMBUS dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), and/or any other type of random access memory. Non-volatile memory 916 may be implemented using flash memory and/or any other desired type of memory device. Access to main memory 914, 916 is controlled by a memory controller.

The processor platform 900 shown in the example also includes interface circuitry 920. Interface circuitry 920 can be implemented using any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, and/or a High-Speed PCI interface.

In the example shown, one or more input devices 922 are connected to interface circuitry 920. The input devices 922 allow a user to input data and commands to processor 912. These input devices may be implemented as, for example, audio sensors, loudspeakers, cameras (still or video), keyboards, buttons, mice, touchscreens, touchpads, trackballs, isopoints, and/or voice recognition systems.

One or more output devices 924 are also connected to the interface circuitry 920 of the example shown. The output devices 924 may be implemented by, for example, display devices (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), liquid crystal displays, cathode ray tube displays (CRTs), touchscreens, haptic output devices, and/or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The interface circuitry 920 of the example shown therefore typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, or a graphics driver processor.

The interface circuitry 920 in the example shown also includes communication devices such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers, modems, and/or network interface cards to facilitate the exchange of data with external machines (e.g., any kind of computing device) via a network 926 (e.g., an Ethernet connection, digital subscriber line (DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, cellular telephone system, etc.).

The processor platform 900 shown in the example also includes one or more mass storage devices 928 for storing software and/or data. Examples of such mass storage devices 928 include floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, compact disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, RAID systems, and digital universal disk (DVD) drives.

The encoded instructions 932 used to implement the method of FIG7 can be stored in a mass storage device 928, a volatile memory 914, a non-volatile memory 916, and/or a removable tangible computer-readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

The exemplary analyzers 100 and 500 described herein position a first disc conveyor belt below a second disc conveyor belt, thereby reducing the analyzer's coverage area (e.g., width and length dimensions). The exemplary analyzers 100 and 500 also position a pipetting mechanism within the dimensions of the first and/or second disc conveyor belts to reduce the pipetting mechanism's coverage area and travel distance. Additionally, by reducing the analyzer's coverage area, the disc conveyor belts can be relatively wide (e.g., have a larger diameter) and/or tall, and thus include more containers (e.g., reagents) to perform more tests.

While certain exemplary methods, apparatuses, and articles have been described herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all methods, apparatuses, and articles that clearly fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims (20)

1. An automated diagnostic analyzer, comprising: A base with a horizontal length; A first disc conveyor belt, rotatably connected to a base, has a first diameter; A second disc conveyor belt rotatably connected to the base, the second disc conveyor belt having a second diameter, the second disc conveyor belt being vertically spaced above the first disc conveyor belt such that at least a portion of the second disc conveyor belt is disposed above the first disc conveyor belt, and such that the horizontal length of the base is less than the sum of the first diameter and the second diameter; and A pipetting mechanism for approaching the first and second disc conveyor belts. 2. The automated diagnostic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. 3. The automated diagnostic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein, viewed from a top plan view, the second disc conveyor belt is disposed within the circumference of the first disc conveyor belt. 4. The automated diagnostic analyzer of claim 1, wherein the second disc conveyor defines an annular support with a drilled hole, and the pipetting mechanism is movable through the drilled hole of the second disc conveyor to approach the first disc conveyor. 5. The automated diagnostic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the pipetting mechanism comprises: A pipette arm having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion extending downward from the horizontal portion; and A pipette, which is connected to the vertical portion and extends downward from the vertical portion. 6. The automated diagnostic analyzer of claim 1 further includes a controller for controlling the rotation of the second disc conveyor belt through a plurality of first locking steps, each of the first locking steps taking a first amount of time, each of the first locking steps including a forward step and a holding step. 7. The automated diagnostic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein during the forward steps, the second disc conveyor rotates approximately 90° such that after four forward steps, the reaction vessel on the second disc conveyor moves to the next shift position. 8. The automated diagnostic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the pipetting mechanism is a first reagent pipetting mechanism, and the automated diagnostic analyzer further includes a second reagent pipetting mechanism. 9. The automated diagnostic analyzer of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to control the first disc conveyor belt to rotate to a first position and hold for a first time amount and to rotate to a second position and hold for a second time amount during a first time amount of one of a plurality of first locking steps, such that the first reagent pipetting mechanism and the second reagent pipetting mechanism can draw reagents from reagent containers on the first disc conveyor belt during said one of the plurality of first locking steps. 10. The automated diagnostic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the pipetting mechanism is rotatable about a rotation axis located within the circumference of the second disc conveyor belt. 11. The automated diagnostic analyzer according to claim 10, wherein the pipetting mechanism is a reagent pipetting mechanism, and the automated diagnostic analyzer further includes a sample pipetting mechanism, the sample pipetting mechanism being rotatable about a rotation axis located outside the circumference of the first disc conveyor belt and outside the circumference of the second disc conveyor belt. 12. The automated diagnostic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation axis of the first disc conveyor belt and the second rotation axis of the second disc conveyor belt are parallel to each other and offset from each other. 13. An apparatus for diagnostic analysis, the apparatus comprising: A first disc conveyor belt is rotatably connected to a base, and the first disc conveyor belt is rotatable about a first axis of rotation; A second disc conveyor belt, rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced above the first disc conveyor belt, such that at least a portion of the second disc conveyor belt is positioned above the first disc conveyor belt, the second disc conveyor belt being rotatable about a second axis of rotation, the second disc conveyor belt defining an annular support having a drilled hole at its center, such that the annular support surrounds the drilled hole; and A pipette for approaching the first and second disc conveyor belts, the pipette being movable through a borehole in the second disc conveyor belt to approach the first disc conveyor belt, wherein the pipette is rotatable about a third rotation axis disposed within a first circumference of the first disc conveyor belt and a second circumference of the second disc conveyor belt. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the third rotation axis is offset from the second rotation axis. 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pipette is a first pipette, and the apparatus further comprises a second pipette rotatable about a fourth rotation axis, the fourth rotation axis being disposed inside the first circumference and outside the second circumference. 16. The apparatus of claim 15 further includes a third pipette rotatable about a fifth rotation axis, the fifth rotation axis being disposed outside the first circumference and outside the second circumference. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second pipette and the third pipette are used to approach the second disc conveyor belt. 18. A method for operating a diagnostic analyzer, the method comprising: The reagent disc conveyor belt is rotated relative to the base, and the reagent disc conveyor belt is capable of rotating around a first rotation axis. The reagent disc conveyor belt supports multiple reagent containers. The reaction disk conveyor belt is rotated relative to the base, the reaction disk conveyor belt is rotatable about a second rotation axis, the reaction disk conveyor belt supports a plurality of reaction vessels, the reaction disk conveyor belt is vertically spaced from the reagent disk conveyor belt, such that at least a portion of the reaction disk conveyor belt is positioned above the reagent disk conveyor belt, wherein rotating the reaction disk conveyor belt includes rotating the reaction disk conveyor belt through a plurality of locking steps, each of the locking steps including a forward step and a stop step, and wherein, during the forward step of each of the locking steps, the reaction disk conveyor belt rotates approximately 90°; The first pipetting mechanism draws the sample from the sample container and dispenses the sample into a reaction dish mounted on a reaction disc conveyor belt; and The second pipetting mechanism draws out the reagent from the reagent container set on the reagent disc conveyor belt and dispenses the reagent into the reaction dish set on the reaction disc conveyor belt. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: reading the contents of the reactor vessel using the reader as the reactor vessel passes a reader disposed adjacent to the reaction disc conveyor belt. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the second rotation axis is parallel to and deviates from the first rotation axis, the method further comprising: The first pipetting mechanism is rotated about a third rotation axis, which is located outside the circumference of both the reagent disk conveyor belt and the reaction disk conveyor belt; and The second pipetting mechanism is rotated about a fourth rotation axis, which is located inside the circumference of the reagent disk conveyor belt and outside the circumference of the reaction disk conveyor belt.