Rotating sample positioning apparatus

Abstract

A positioning system for a sample analysis device is disclosed. The positioning system comprises (1) a carousel comprising a platform and a sample loading tray mounted on the platform, and (2) a stage comprising a positioning system for positioning the carousel under the optical path of an imaging system. The sample loading tray is configured for holding a cartridge comprising one or more lateral flow cells (LFCs).

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A lateral flow cell (LFC) positioning system, comprising:
 a reaction chamber,   an inlet channel, and   an outlet channel;   wherein the outlet channel comprises two sections, a first section proximal to the reaction chamber and a second section distal to the reaction chamber,   wherein the first section of the outlet channel comprises two ends, a first end proximal to the reaction chamber and a second end distal to the reaction chamber, and   wherein the diameter or cross-section area of the first end is larger than the diameter or cross-section area of the second end.   
     
     
         22 . The LFC positioning system of claim  1 , wherein the first section of the outlet channel is funnel-shaped. 
     
     
         23 . A lateral flow cell (LFC) positioning system, comprising:
 a reaction chamber,   an inlet channel, and   an outlet channel;   wherein the outlet channel comprises two sections, a first section proximal to the reaction chamber and a second section distal to the reaction chamber,   wherein the second section of the outlet channel comprises two ends, a first end proximal to the reaction chamber and a second end distal to the reaction chamber, and   wherein the diameter or cross-section area of the first end is larger than the diameter or cross-section area of the second end.   
     
     
         24 . The LFC positioning system of claim  3 , wherein the second section of the outlet channel is staircase-shaped. 
     
     
         25 . A lateral flow cell (LFC) positioning system, comprising:
 a reaction chamber,   an inlet channel, and   an outlet channel;   wherein the outlet channel comprises two sections, a first section proximal to the reaction chamber and a second section distal to the reaction chamber,   wherein the first section of the outlet channel comprises two ends, a first end proximal to the reaction chamber and a second end distal to the reaction chamber,   wherein the diameter or cross-section area of the first end of the first section is larger than the diameter or cross-section area of the second end of the first section,   wherein the second section of the outlet channel comprises two ends, a first end proximal to the reaction chamber and a second end distal to the reaction chamber, and   wherein the diameter or cross-section area of the first end of the second section is larger than the diameter or cross-section area of the second end of the second section.   
     
     
         26 . The LFC positioning system of claim  5 , wherein the first section of the outlet channel is funnel-shaped and wherein the second section of the outlet channel is staircase-shaped.