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 magazine for releasably inventorying a plurality of reaction cuvettes to be used in an automatic clinical analyzer, the magazine comprising a generally rectangular storage cell having curved front and back surfaces, and a number of storage chutes therein, each chute sized to hold reaction cuvettes stacked one atop another therein.

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 weakened member that can be deformed by a moveable sensor probe when containers are placed onto the analyzer.

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 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 magazine for releasably inventorying a plurality of reaction cuvettes to be used in an automatic clinical analyzer, the magazine comprising a generally rectangular storage cell having curved front and back surfaces, and a number of storage chutes therein, each chute sized to hold reaction cuvettes stacked one atop another therein.

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 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 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 gel-filled closure for environmentally protecting a connector forming a connection between a cable and at least one electrical component (which may be another cable) is disclosed. The closure includes first and second cavitied bodies, each having two lateral sides and two end sides; a hinge joining the first and second cavitied bodies along a lateral side thereof, such that the cavitied bodies are capable of pivoting around the hinge and closing around the connector and immediately adjacent portions of the cable and the at least one electrical component. A gel substantially fills each of the first and second cavitied bodies. At least one of the cavitied bodies has a flap disposed along the lateral edge thereof distal from the hinge, for directing gel flow in the lateral direction as the first and second cavitied bodies are closed. A locking mechanism for securing the cavitied bodies in a closed position is also provided.

Abstract: A gel-filled closure for environmentally protecting a connector forming a connection between a cable and at least one electrical component (which may be another cable) is disclosed. The closure includes first and second cavitied bodies, each having two lateral sides and two end sides; a hinge joining the first and second cavitied bodies along a lateral side thereof, such that the cavitied bodies are capable of pivoting around the hinge and closing around the connector and immediately adjacent portions of the cable and the at least one electrical component; a gel substantially filling each of the first and second cavitied bodies; at least one of the cavitied bodies having a flap disposed along the lateral edge thereof distal from the hinge, for directing gel flow in the lateral direction as the first and second cavitied bodies are closed; and locking mechanism for securing the cavitied bodies in a closed position.