Simple Medicine

Abbott Laboratories’ diagnostics division claims that the systems improve laboratory workflow. A patented feature of the machines is an automated system called the retest sample handler, which can hold up to 135 sample vials for the i2000sr, 185 for the c8000, and 335 for the ci8200. The samples, which are accessible to a three-axis carrier transport robot, can be picked up in any sequence so they can be retrieved for retesting when it is necessary. Eliminating separate rails and associated fasteners and reducing machining of large surfaces resulted in significant cost savings. In addition, the single extrusion offers improved structural strength in the given space at the lowest weight. Fewer parts minimized tolerance stackup. Electronic components in the original design included circuit boards and cable harnesses in different configurations for each module type. The final design has 18-inch-long circuit boards that can be joined to form a continuous board up to 10-feet long, without cables.