초록 ▼

This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump has a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two va

This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump has a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a sensor for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [8.] A microscope slide stainer with random access slide staining capability comprising:a moving platform adapted to carry microscope slides, said moving platform moving the slides to a dispensing station for adding liquid reagent to said slides;a first heating element positio

[ What is claimed is:] [8.] A microscope slide stainer with random access slide staining capability comprising:a moving platform adapted to carry microscope slides, said moving platform moving the slides to a dispensing station for adding liquid reagent to said slides;a first heating element positioned on the moving platform, said first heating element adapted to move with the platform and to be located immediately adjacent to at least one microscope slide and having a first electrical power connection;a second heating element positioned on the moving platform, said second heating element adapted to move with the platform and to be located immediately adjacent to at least one microscope slide and having a second electrical power connection, separate electrical power connections being provided to said first and second heating elements;a motor drive capable of indexing said microscope slides adjacent to said dispensing station; andelectronic control for heating the first and second heating elements.