Abstract: A sample rack for holding sample tubes in a single row includes a frame having a longitudinally extending vertical rear wall and a horizontal top wall. The top wall includes a plurality of sample tube openings. A plurality of vertical partitions and opposite end walls are joined to the frame in spaced arrangement to define sample tube chambers for receiving sample tubes. A front marginal section of the frame connects the bottom portions of vertical partitions and a leaf spring device is attached to the marginal section. The leaf spring device includes a support section and a plurality of arms that extend upwardly from the support section into the sample tube chambers.

Abstract: A sample rack for holding sample tubes in a single row includes an angle shaped frame formed by a longitudinally extending vertical rear wall and a horizontal top wall. The top wall includes a plurality of sample tube openings. A plurality of vertical partitions are joined to the angle shaped frame in spaced arrangement to define sample tube chambers for receiving sample tubes. At least one front vertical connecting section connects the bottom portions of two adjacent partitions opposite the rear wall. A leaf spring device is attached to the connecting section. The leaf spring device includes a support section and a plurality of arms opposite the rear wall extending upwardly from the support section into the sample tube chambers.

Abstract: A blood clot detector includes a pressure transducer on an aspiration line to provide output voltage data to a microprocessor corresponding to the vacuum level during aspiration. The microprocessor integrates the vacuum readings over time during the aspiration cycle to provide a pressure integral for each test sample aspiration. A pressure integral is determined for an unclotted aspiration and used as a reference for comparison with the pressure integrals of each test sample aspiration to determine whether a blood clot has interfered with the test sample aspiration. A valve is provided across an analytical line and an aspiration line to provide selective communication between the aspiration line and the analytical line or to prevent such communication. Communication between the aspiration line and the analytical line permits transfer of a test sample from the aspiration line to the analytical line if the test sample is considered acceptable for sample analysis.

Abstract: The stat shuttle adapter and transport device includes a conveyor with a movable platform for securement of the stat shuttle adapter. The stat shuttle adapter is a universal holding device that includes a carrier housing having male and female surfaces that engage complementary shaped female or male surfaces of a rack that is held by the carrier housing. The conveyor has a forward load position wherein racks are loaded onto the carrier housing. The conveyor also has a rearward unload position wherein the loaded rack is locked onto the carrier housing to facilitate removal of the contents of the rack from the carrier housing without upsetting the rack. A latch device on the carrier housing is normally biased to a lock position but is maintained in an unlock position when the carrier housing is at the forward load position of the conveyor. A latch engagement device on the conveyor maintains the latch in the unlock position while the carrier housing is at the forward load position of the conveyor.

Abstract: The sample rack for holding sample tubes includes a front shell and a rear shell co-joined together in clam shell arrangement. The rack includes tube receiving chambers, each of which has a tube engagement cradle that is arranged to engage a surface portion of a sample tube inserted in the tube receiving chamber. Portions of the tube engagement cradle are formed on each of the front and rear shells and the co-joining of the shells completes the structure of the tube engagement cradle. Each tube receiving chamber also includes a depending biasing spring leg that urges the sample tube toward the tube engagement cradle. The rack also includes spring mount portions for supporting biasing springs that incorporate the biasing spring legs. Segments of the spring mount portion are also formed on each of the front and rear shells and the co-joining of the shells completes the structure of the spring mount portion.

Abstract: The conveyor system for clinical test apparatus includes a main transport conveyor and a plurality of auxiliary conveyors located alongside the main transport conveyor. The auxiliary conveyors define straight line paths of travel parallel to the straight line paths of travel of the main conveyor. Each of the auxiliary conveyors is operated by drive means separate from the main transport conveyor. Two crossover points are provided between the main transport conveyor and the auxiliary conveyor. One crossover point is an entrance from the main transport conveyor to the auxiliary conveyor and the other crossover point is an exit from the auxiliary conveyor to the main transport conveyor. Each crossover point is controlled by a gate. One of the gates is a divert gate which can be actuated to block the main transport path thereby diverting puck traffic onto the auxiliary conveyor.

Abstract: The reagent package includes a container housing section and a container lid that are sealed together to define one or more inside chambers. An opening in the container lid provides access to a corresponding chamber. The chamber opening is controlled by a valve that is pivotable from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. When the valve is in an open position the container chamber can be accessed through the valve with an aspiration probe and a dispensation probe. The reagent package accommodates a filter screen member and a glass ampoule in the container chamber. The glass ampoule contains one reagent ingredient, usually in a dry powder form and the space within the chamber outside the glass ampoule usually contains a reconstituting liquid ingredient.

Abstract: The conveyor system for clinical test apparatus includes a main transport conveyor and a plurality of auxiliary conveyors located alongside the main transport conveyor. The auxiliary conveyors define straight line paths of travel parallel to the straight line paths of travel of the main conveyor. Each of the auxiliary conveyors is operated by drive means separate from the main transport conveyor. Two crossover points are provided between the main transport conveyor and the auxiliary conveyor. One crossover point is an entrance from the main transport conveyor to the auxiliary conveyor and the other crossover point is an exit from the auxiliary conveyor to the main transport conveyor. Each crossover point is controlled by a gate. One of the gates is a divert gate which can be actuated to block the main transport path thereby diverting puck traffic onto the auxiliary conveyor.

Abstract: A blood clot detector includes a pressure transducer on an aspiration line to provide output voltage data to a microprocessor corresponding to the vacuum level during aspiration. The microprocessor integrates the vacuum readings over time during the aspiration cycle to provide a pressure integral for each test sample aspiration. A pressure integral is determined for an unclotted aspiration and used as a reference for comparison with the pressure integrals of each test sample aspiration to determine whether a blood clot has interfered with the test sample aspiration. A valve is provided across an analytical line and an aspiration line to provide selective communication between the aspiration line and the analytical line or to prevent such communication. Communication between the aspiration line and the analytical line permits transfer of a test sample from the aspiration line to the analytical line if the test sample is considered acceptable for sample analysis.

Abstract: The sample liquid aspirating and dispensing probe includes a tubular plastic inner member and a tubular metallic outer member. One or more sections of the plastic inner member are drawn-down in dies to provide a large diameter section, a small diameter section and an intermediate transition section. The plastic member is inserted in the metal member and annealed to conform the profile of the plastic member transition section with a streamlined transition section of the metal outer member. The dual member probe has an ultra-smooth interior surface, substantially free of eddy-forming imperfections. Thus there is minimal likelihood of turbulent eddies forming when rinse liquid is directed through the probe. The metallic member provides the probe with a conductive capability for capacitive liquid level sensing.