초록 ▼

To transfer fluids between receptacles at controlled times and temperatures for analysis of the fluids, the receptacles are carried by shuttles which are replaceable and movable within the chemical analyzer and have fluids deposited in them automatically at predetermined times and locations under th

To transfer fluids between receptacles at controlled times and temperatures for analysis of the fluids, the receptacles are carried by shuttles which are replaceable and movable within the chemical analyzer and have fluids deposited in them automatically at predetermined times and locations under the control of a program card as they move through temperature-controlled zones at speeds established to keep the receptacles in the temperature-controlled zones long enough to complete a reaction. Two of the shuttles are driven and pull or push the other shuttles in a circular path. In one embodiment, a second circle of shuttles or a reel carrying receptacles moves in the reverse direction from a first group of shuttles so that fluids may be transferred from one receptacle to another at predetermined points to provide greater flexibility in the analyzing apparatus.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of chemical analysis comprising the steps of: repeatedly circulating containers through a closed path; adding a first fluid sequentially to each of a predetermined number of the containers at a pipetting station; recirculating each of the containers around said continuous path until they ag

A method of chemical analysis comprising the steps of: repeatedly circulating containers through a closed path; adding a first fluid sequentially to each of a predetermined number of the containers at a pipetting station; recirculating each of the containers around said continuous path until they again reach said pipetting station after adding said first fluid; sequentially adding a second fluid the second time each sample cup is under said pipetting station; withdrawing at least part of the contents of the container and transporting said part of the contents of the container to a readout device; the step of adding a first fluid and the step of sequentially adding a second fluid the second time each sample cup is under said pipetting station comprising a series of steps as follows: sequentially pipetting the first fluid into the first N containers; recirculating the containers completely through said closed path until the first container is again at the pipetting station; transferring fluid at the pipetting station; advancing the N+1th container so it is at the pipette station; pipetting said first fluid into said N+1th container; advancing the containers completely through the closed path so that the second container is again at the pipette station; pipetting fluid into the second container at the pipette station; advancing the N+2th container to the pipette station; adding the first reagent to the N+2th container; and recirculating the sample cups completely throughout the closed path so that the third container is at the pipetting station where fluid is transferred.