Abstract: An automatic feed system for use with blood sampling apparatus of the type comprising a first conveyor for conveying a series of stoppered tubes to a sampling station and for imparting a motion to the tubes to mix the contents of the tubes as they are conveyed to the sampling station, and a needle for penetrating each tube when it arrives at the sampling station to withdraw a specimen sample therefrom. The feed system comprises a second conveyor for conveying a series of such tubes one after another to a pick-up station, and a tube-transfer device for transferring a tube at the pick-up station from the second conveyor to the first conveyor of the sampling apparatus for conveyance to the sampling station.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for obtaining a sample from a specimen of blood or the like in a closed container at a first pressure and for delivering the sample to an analyzer for analysis. The apparatus comprises a hollow needle for penetrating the closed container movable from a retracted position to an extended position in which it penetrates the container for drawing a specimen sample therefrom, and back to its retracted position. A conduit connects the needle and the analyzer for delivery of a specimen sample to the latter. An aspirator reduces the pressure in this conduit to a pressure less than the aforesaid first pressure when the needle is in its extended position, a specimen sample thereby being aspirated from the container into the conduit for delivery to the analyzer. The apparatus is responsive to this aspiration to initiate transfer of the specimen sample from the conduit into the analyzer.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting particles, such as blood cells, suspended in a liquid medium. A chamber receives a sample of the liquid medium containing particles and the sample flows from the chamber through a conduit. The conduit is normally closed but is opened for flow of the sample therethrough with the sample being drawn through the conduit upon its being opened. A counter counts particles in the sample as it flows through the conduit and a single manual operation opens the conduit for flow of a sample therethrough and concomitantly actuates the counter to count the particles in the sample flowing through the conduit. A method of counting particles suspended in a liquid medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining samples from specimens of blood or the like contained in a series of closed containers, which specimens include a plurality of particles such as cells. A pair of parallel feed screws moves the closed containers along a predetermined path to a sampling station and in one mode, a mixing mode, imparts motion to the closed containers while they are moved along the path to obtain a substantially uniform distribution of the particles contained therein. The apparatus includes a needle which penetrates the closed containers when they reach the sampling station to withdraw specimen samples from the containers. The apparatus includes a controller for tilting each closed container at the sampling station so that one end of the container is lower than the other end. The needle penetrates the lower end of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing contaminated laboratory containers such as test tubes, flasks and the like. A tube, one end of which is connected to a source of negative pressure and the other end of which is inserted into a contaminated container, has a length sufficient to reach the bottom of the container to remove by aspiration material therein. A pump is connected to a source of washing material and, when actuated, delivers washing material into the container. Actuation of the pump interrupts aspiration during delivery of washing material. The washing material thus delivered to the container and contaminants are withdrawn by aspiration from the container after the pump is deactuated.