초록 ▼

An apparatus for automatically performing analytical testing of individual distinct samples of biological fluids wherein a test sample is reacted with test reagents and tested for a change in optical characteristics. A memory stores a plurality of different test protocols. An operator-actuated keybo

An apparatus for automatically performing analytical testing of individual distinct samples of biological fluids wherein a test sample is reacted with test reagents and tested for a change in optical characteristics. A memory stores a plurality of different test protocols. An operator-actuated keyboard is used to select one of the test protocols from the memory. Individual distinct samples of biological fluid to be tested are received in a sample cell. The cell is heated to a preselected temperature. The apparatus transports an individual sample cell to a first location adapted to filter unwanted nonfluid material from the fluid to be tested and to remove excess fluid to be tested from the sample cell to cause a precise accurate volume of fluid to remain in the sample cell for testing. After filtering and removal of excess fluid, the apparatus transports the individual sample cell from the first location to a second location for introducing a first reagent into the sample, and then transports the sample cell from the second location to a test location where a second reagent is introduced into the sample. An optical detector at the test location optically scans the sample in a vertical direction to detect a change in an optical characteristic of the sample. The apparatus provides an alphanumeric indication that a change in the optical characteristic in the sample has been detected. The invention includes a uniquely configured sample cell for receiving the samples of fluid to be tested and unique apparatus for delivering precise volumes of a liquid reagent. A liquid reservoir is pressurized with gas to a preselected pressure and is automatically regulated to maintain the pressure at a constant value. A valve in conjunction with a nozzle and a conduit adapted to impart a constant flow rate to reagent being delivered is opened for precise, predetermined time intervals so that a precise predetermined volume of liquid flows through the valve in the predetermined time interval.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for automatically performing analytical testing of individual distinct samples of biological fluids wherein one or more test reagents are introducted into said samples and the reacted samples are tested for a change in optical characteristics, comprising: (a) memory means for storing a plu

Apparatus for automatically performing analytical testing of individual distinct samples of biological fluids wherein one or more test reagents are introducted into said samples and the reacted samples are tested for a change in optical characteristics, comprising: (a) memory means for storing a plurality of different test protocols, (b) means for enabling an operator to select one of said plurality of test protocols from said memory, (c) a plurality of differently-configured sample cell means for receiving individual distinct samples of biological fluid to be tested, (d) means for receiving individual sample cells (e) sensor means for sensing the presence of an individual sample cell and generating signals representative of the configuration of the sensed sample cells, (f) means for transporting individual sample cells to a first location, (g) means at the first location responsive to the signals representative of the configuration of the sample cells for filtering unwanted non-fluid material from the fluid to be tested and for removing excess fluid to be tested from at least one test chamber in said sample cells to cause a precise, accurate volume of fluid to be tested to remain in the test chamber in response to a first one of said signals and for only removing excess fluid to be tested from at least one test chamber in said sample cells to cause a precise, accurate volume of fluid to be tested to remain in the test chamber in response to a second one of said signals representative of a differently configured sample cell, (h) means for transporting individual sample cells from the first location to a second location, the means for transporting including means for heating individual sample cells to a preselected temperature, (i) means at the second location for introducing a first reagent into the sample, (j) means for transporting individual sample cells from the second location to a test location, (k) means at the test location for introducing additional reagents into the sample, (l) means at the test location for optically scanning the sample in a vertical direction relative to individual sample cells and for precluding an air-to-fluid interface in the optical scanning path, (m) means for optically detecting a change in an optical characteristic of the sample, and (n) means for providing an indication that a change in said optical characteristic of the sample has been detected.