Created to meet the growing need in biotechnology and pharmaceutical R and D communities for individual identification of ever smaller quantities of fluid or dry samples
Absolute Vision, a specialist in two-dimensional (2D) code reading, will launch the first ever solution to read Data Matrix codes on 384 rack-mounted sample storage-tubes at Biotech International and Lab Automation Europe in London in November 2003.
The Rackmate 384c is a compact, high-end rack-reader with a robust IP65 construction that ensures reliability under the toughest conditions.
It offers a three second read-time for a complete rack of 384 vials subject to the processor used and is compatible with most coded tube types from leading manufacturers. The Rackmate 384c code reader was created to meet the growing need in biotechnology and pharmaceutical R and D communities for individual identification of ever smaller quantities of fluid or dry samples.
It builds on the proven success of the automatic reading and tracking capabilities of Absolute Vision's 96-way tube-reader for industry-standard 1.2ml plastic tubes. Tube manufacturers are seeking to miniaturise this technology to achieve the same level of traceability on the far smaller tubes, which are stored in 384 way racks.
Charlie Plain-Jones, sales director at Absolute Vision, explained: "We were responding to the market need from companies like ABgene and the Automation Partnership, which launched a new single use sample storage tube suitable for storing in racks of 384, PicoTube, in March.
We are the first to bring a 384 format reading solution to market, due to our close working relationship with the tube manufacturers and laboratory automation companies." Ian Ransome, director of drug discovery at Automation Partnership, said: "We are very excited about the development of the ultra low volume PicoTube and delighted that Absolute Vision is bringing a code-reading solution to market so quickly.
"PicoTube is the first 384-way tube to be individually coded to allow individual vessel tracking and verification from creation, through to storage and subsequent usage." The reader is an imager-based system that is simple to operate comprising cameras, software licenses, database integration capability, data export and configuration options, and connection cables.
It links to a PC supplied as part of the system and uses the latest Medusa software interface to the customer's database and tracking systems.
A detailed screen display shows both the tube images and an overlay of the decoded data, while state of the art decoding algorithms ensure reliable reading, even of damaged or disfigured codes.
The Rackmate 384c is compliant with open database connectivity (ODBC) and object linked embedding (OLE), enabling easy integration into liquid management systems (LMS), without the need for middleware. Unique PC-based decoding software that was created using a Visual C++ development platform means that system operation speed is linked to the host PC performance.
The T slot casing on the read head makes it ideal for mounting into automatic handling environments.
Rack detectors automatically trigger the reading cycle as the rack is placed onto the reader.
Rack orientation is automatically detected and the vial location data is formatted accordingly.
Integrated solid state lighting gives long-term stable images for reliable reading performance.
Absolute Vision is on stand A401 at Biotech International and Lab Automation Europe, Olympia, London, 25-26 November 2003.
