Linear Distributor General Information

Description

The Distributor is designed to transport MTUs to the different modules. It contains the following axes:

• Hook axis
• Theta-axis
• X-axis
• Z-axis

Interfacing Modules

The Distributor interfaces with every module located on the Service Drawer, including:

• Chiller Ramp
• High Temp (HT), Transition, and Amplification (AMP) Incubators
• Load stations
• Luminometer
• Magnetic Parking stations
• Magnetic Wash stations
• MTUMulti-tube unit—Container used to process tests in the instrument. An MTU contains five separate reaction tubes. The MTU is moved through the instrument by the linear distributor and includes five tiplets for pipettiing to be used in the mag wash station. Input Queue
• Output Queue
• Sample Mix Station

Theory/Sequence of Operation

The Distributor transfers MTUs to the various modules in the Panther system. Its transfer mechanism is based on a hook and rail system that pushes and pulls the MTU between the support rails of the other modules. For all modules, the Distributor rotates a few degrees from normal, extends the hook, rotates back to normal, then retracts the hook in order to pick an MTU. The X-axis runs the length of the system. The Theta-axis rotates 270° to access all sides of the deck. The distribute-axis moves a hook to distribute MTUs. A flag-activated optical sensor detects the presence of an MTU. The Z-axis compensates the overall system tolerances and allows teaching in the field. An additional module calibration sensor allows for automatic calibration to the system modules.

Flow Diagrams

Click on a heading to open a diagram. Click a second time to close the diagram.

• Pick MTU

  

• Place MTU

  

• Auto Teach

  

Distributor Failure Positions

The following table identifies failure positions for the Distributor.

• Position—The index position of the Distributor location.
• Module—The module at which the Distributor is located.

Position (dec)	Position (hex)	Module
00	00	MTU Input Queue
01	01	AMP Load Station
02	02	HPAHybridization protection assay—The Hologic HPA technique uses a specific DNA probe, labeled with an acridinium ester detector molecule that emits a chemiluminescent signal. Load Station
03	03	Incubator #1—High Temperature
04	04	Incubator #2—Transition
05	05	Incubator #3—AMP
06	06	Magnetic Wash Station 1
07	07	Magnetic Wash Station 2
12	0C	Sample Mix Station
13	0D	Luminometer
14	0E	Output Queue
15	0F	Service Queue
16	10	Magnetic Parking (left)
17	11	Magnetic Parking (right)
18	12	Chiller Ramp, Slot 1 (left)
19	13	Chiller Ramp, Slot 2
20	14	Chiller Ramp, Slot 3
21	15	Chiller Ramp, Slot 4
22	16	Chiller Ramp, Slot 5
23	17	Chiller Ramp, Slot 6 (right)
24	18	Read MTU Barcode Position
25	19	Sample Dispense Slot
		Fusion Handoff Location