The Pathfinder 350S; Modules; Sorter Module; Specimen Tray - Aim Lab PathFinder 350S Service Manual

PathFinder 350S Service Manual
3.

The PathFinder 350S

The PathFinder 350S Workcell is made up of a number of modules. A module is a
functional unit that can be deployed and replaced as a single component.
The collection of modules is referred to as a Workcell. The Workcell can include
multiple PathFinder modules such as Sorters, Cappers, Aliquoters etc. The Workcell
is coordinated by the Workcell Controller.
The Workcell Controller is a PC that hosts the Workcell Controller Software, the web
server for the Graphical User Interface (GUI), and communicates with the Lab
Information System (LIS).
In the case of the PathFinder 350S, because there is only one Sorter module, the
Workcell Controller has been integrated into the Sorter module to save bench space
and create an integrated 'out-of-the-box' system.
This Section provides a breakdown of the PathFinder 350S modules and
subcomponents. Part numbers are provided for selected components; these are
components that may be replaced in the field.
Note that cables have not been called out. All cables are labelled with a description
and part number for ordering spares.
3.1

Modules

The PathFinder 350S Workcell consists of the following modules:
3.1.1

Sorter Module

The Sorter does the physical work of picking and placing specimen tubes into the
appropriate racks. It is the primary module to which the other modules attach.
It contains the Sorter Main PCB that co-ordinates all the modules, and the Workcell
Controller (embedded PC) that communicates with the LIS and hosts the GUI via the
LCD Monitor.
3.1.2

Specimen Tray

The Specimen Tray fits into the base of the Sorter and locates the specimen racks.
The Specimen Tray may differ from the photos in this manual since the tray is
configurable to accept a variety of racks.
3.1.3

Carousel

The Carousel module identifies the tubes placed on the Sorter. It reads the barcode
of the presented tubes which is then sent as a query to the LIS. Holding four tubes
on the Carousel at any one time prevents LIS delays from affecting throughput.
Page 14 © Copyright 2010 Aim Lab Pty Ltd Rev E February 2010