Importance

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Abstract

Test sample cards containing biological samples are moved through an analytical instrument past a card detection device and detected by the device. The card detection device has an actuator that reciprocates relative to a housing between first and second positions. The actuator has a surface that comes into contact with the card as the card is moved past the device. The actuator carries an optical interrupt flag which is used in conjunction with an optical sensor placed in proximity to the actuator. When the card comes into contact with the actuator, the actuator is moved from the first position to the second, or retracted position. This action moves the flag relative to the optical sensor, triggering the optical sensor and a detection of the card. In one possible embodiment, multiple cards are placed in a cassette for movement around the instrument. The cassette has a number of slots for the cards, one card per slot. Each card has placed thereon indicia such as bar codes that are used for identification purposes by the instrument. The card detection device, in addition to performing the detection functions for each of the cards, also rocks the cards within the cassette slots so as to place the bar codes or other indicia into a better position for reading by a bar code reader or other appropriate reading device for the indicia.

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First Claim