Abstract: A sampling aliquotter for aspirating aliquot portions of sample fluid from a closed container and for dispensing aliquot portions into a vessel using horizontal and vertical drives to drive a probe into the closed container, to position the probe above the vessel, and to lower the probe into a cleansing module.

Abstract: A method for displaying the status of a clinical analyzer on an operator interface in a manner that minimizes the effort required by the operator to access pertinent data. In one aspect the method includes displaying routine and non-routine information about the operational aspects of a clinical analyzer so that non-routine operational information screens is accessible only by qualified technicians.

Abstract: A random access reagent container handling system using a reagent container shuttle to move reagent containers between a loading tray and at least one linear reagent container tray and at least one circular reagent carousel. The reagent container tray is positioned as needed beneath the reagent container shuttle by a reagent tray shuttle.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor confirms actual physical contact between a probe and a liquid by verifying that any change in capacitance of the sensor is constant over a given time period and thereby is not caused by spurious electrical disturbances or other measuring irregularities.

Abstract: A reaction cuvette having anti-wicking wall fillets that inhibit liquid wicking along an interior wall surface so that the reaction cuvette may be used in a cuvette-rewashing system in an automated analyzer and not be adversely affected by any reagent contaminants remaining from assays previously performed in said reaction cuvette. The anti-wicking wall fillets comprise a curvilinear taper extending from an open top downwards into the cuvette to form a rounded concave blend between the cuvette's front and back walls and side walls.

Abstract: A dual analyzer system comprising at least two analyzers where samples to be tested are partitioned into three groups in accord with the frequency the test assays are requested. One analyzer performs a portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a first subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The second analyzer performs a similar portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a second subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The first of the analyzers is not equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays and the second analyzer is not be equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays.

Abstract: Automatically rejecting outlier measurements in an analytical method employing multiple photometric values by determining the photometric value that is involved in the pair of photometric values having the greatest variance between individual mean rates and the mean rate of all of the multiple photometric values.

Abstract: A method for resupplying reagents inventoried on-board an automatic clinical analyzer by: comparing an averaged assay demand pattern on the analyzer for assays over a sequence of specifically defined time periods with the reagents inventoried on-board the analyzer to determine which reagents will be exhausted before the next following the sequence of specifically defined time periods, and, resupplying reagents appropriately.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer where incoming samples are partitioned into groups in accord with the length of time required for the assay to be completed or in accord with the pattern of reagent addition(s) taken with length of time required for the assay to be completed. Medium length time assays are completed, removed from a reaction carousel and replaced by shorter length time assays during a single operational cycle in which longer length assays are also completed.

Abstract: A method for determining not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette in an analyzer when an assay scheduled to be performed may be adversely affected by contaminants remaining in the cleaned reaction cuvette. If determined not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette, the previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette is replaced with an unused new reaction cuvette.

Abstract: A method for automatically operating a sample handling system and associated analyzers to conduct assays on a number of patient samples by comparing the assays to be conducted with a set of assay defined rules, subdividing the analyzers into analyzers which are in compliance with the assay defined rules and analyzers not in compliance with the set of assay defined rules; thereafter, operating the system to supply patient samples to analyzers in compliance or operating the system so as to bring at least one analyzer into compliance with the assay defined rules and supplying patient samples to such an analyzer.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining whether a reagent container is new and unused or whether the reagent container has been previously used whenever reagent containers are initially placed onto an analyzer. Unused containers have a flag or lock-out member that can be dislodged or relocated by a moveable sensor probe when containers are placed onto the analyzer.

Abstract: A microbiological analyzer for performing ID tests on samples using colorimetric techniques to generate a pixel-wise colored map of a test region of interest and also performing MIC tests on samples using nephelometric techniques to determine which antimicrobial agents are most effective against a particular microorganism.

Abstract: A method for generating a vortex-like mixing action within a liquid held in a container by causing the container to move back and forth in a constant sinusoidal pattern at high speeds. Momentum forces acting upon the liquid solution cause it to generate an internal mixing motion of the liquid solution without the aid of extraneous mixing members.

Abstract: A closed elongate canister having a generally rectangular cross-section formed by a front wall, a five-section back wall and two side walls, the walls of dimensions to house a plurality of ID test rotors stacked one atop another within the canister.

Abstract: An aliquot vessel array having notched side flanges and rails of a next adjacent so that a plurality of arrays may be attached one atop another in a secure stack. Stacked aliquot vessel arrays may be simultaneously loaded into a storage unit on an automatic analyzer and automatically dispensed into a sampling track as required. The aliquot vessel array has certain handling features to ensure safe and reliable movement between the storage unit and sampling tracks.

Abstract: A multi-analyzer system where at least two automatic clinical analyzers are linked together by a bi-directional sample rack shuttle, both analyzers initially capable of performing a slightly different menu of assays. The bi-directional incoming and outgoing sample rack transport system of a first one of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way incoming sample rack transport system adapted and the incoming sample tube transport system of a second of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way outgoing transport system adapted to dispose of all sample racks having sample tubes with samples finally tested by either analyzer. In the event that one of the two analyzers experiences an operating failure, the analyzer system may automatically revert to a single analyzer system employing only the operational analyzer.

Abstract: A circular shaped rotor to facilitate automated identification testing of microorganisms in a microbiology analyzer having two circular arrays of microwells downwardly projecting from the top of the rotor connected to a recessed central region by a plurality of microchannels formed in the upper surface and connecting the recessed central portion to the second plurality of microwells; the rotor is further adapted to be rotated by a source of rotational energy and moved throughout the analyzer using troughs formed near its outer diameter.