초록 ▼

A reagent dispensing assembly for use in an automated specimen analysis system. The assembly comprises a dispensing station and a plurality of reagent supply containers associated therewith. A system is provided for positioning a desired one of the reagent containers at the dispensing station for di

A reagent dispensing assembly for use in an automated specimen analysis system. The assembly comprises a dispensing station and a plurality of reagent supply containers associated therewith. A system is provided for positioning a desired one of the reagent containers at the dispensing station for dispensing a desired amount of reagent. A device acts on the containers at the dispensing station for dispensing the desired amount of reagent. A control system coordinates the movement of the respective reagent containers to the dispensing station and the amount of reagent dispensed within a specimen in a specimen tray.

대표청구항 ▼

A reagent dispenser assembly for use in an automated analysis system, said dispenser comprising: a dispensing station; a plurality of reagent supply containers associated with said dispensing station; means for positioning a desired one of said reagent containers at said dispensing station for dispe

A reagent dispenser assembly for use in an automated analysis system, said dispenser comprising: a dispensing station; a plurality of reagent supply containers associated with said dispensing station; means for positioning a desired one of said reagent containers at said dispensing station for dispensing a desired amount of reagent therefrom; means acting on said desired one of said containers at said dispensing station for dispensing therefrom a desired amount of reagent, said dispensing means comprising a plurality of plungers, with each respective plunger being associated with a respective reagent container, the position of each plunger relative to its associated container being determined by the amount of reagent remaining in its container; a means separate from said containers and plungers for moving said plunger associated with said one of said containers to dispense said desired amount of reagent irrespective of the position of the plunger of said one of said containers prior to said reagent being dispensed, said means for moving said plunger associated with said one of said containers comprises an anvil for engaging said plunger, said anvil being arranged for movement longitudinally of said desired one of said reagent containers, a means for driving said anvil to move it selectively between a first home position where it does not engage said plunger, a second dispense start position where it first engages said plunger and a third finish position where it pushes the plunger in order to dispense said desired amount of reagent; and control means for coordinating the movement of said anvil between its respective positions to dispense said desired amount of said reagent, said control means including means for sensing the first engagement between said anvil and said plunger and responsive thereto, said control means causes said anvil to move to its third position whereby the amount of reagent dispensed is a function of the movement of said anvil between the second dispense start position, which is determined by said means for sensing the first engagement, and said third position.