Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer utilizes reagents supplied in reagent bottles. The reagent bottles are labeled on their bottom surfaces with an identification label bearing a machine-readable identification code. The automatic chemical analyzer includes a reagent tray having a plurality of tray apertures therein which receive coded reagent bottles and which expose the bottom surface of each bottle for optical viewing of the machine-readable identification code. The analyzer further includes optical scanner means positioned below the reagent tray for reading the machine-readable identification code on the bottom surfaces of reagent bottles within the tray apertures. The tray apertures are selectively located over the optical scanner means so that the analyzer can identify the reagent bottle and the contents thereof.The identification label has a spaced pair of position reference dots defining and orienting a label area.

Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer utilizes reagents supplied in reagent bottles. The reagent bottles are labeled on their bottom surfaces with an identification label bearing a machine-readable identification code. The automatic chemical analyzer includes a reagent tray having a plurality of tray apertures therein which receive coded reagent bottles and which expose the bottom surface of each bottle for optical viewing of the machine-readable identification code. The analyzer further includes optical scanner means positioned below the reagent tray for reading the machine-readable identification code on the bottom surfaces of reagent bottles within the tray apertures. The tray apertures are selectively located over the optical scanner means so that the analyzer can identify the reagent bottle and the contents thereof.The identification label has a spaced pair of position reference dots defining and orienting a label area.

Abstract: A liquid transfer module for a chemical analyzer is adequate to effect liquid transfers between multiple stations arranged in a common arc about a vertical axis on a supporting instrument framework. A rigid radial probe arm supporting a vertical pipette is fixed to a tubular shaft supported on the framework for both rotational and elevational motion relative to the vertical axis. It is surrounded by a powered pulley that imparts angular movement to the shaft. It is elevationally carried by a non-rotating bearing assembly arranged coaxially about the axis on a nut threadably engaged by a powered lead screw extending within the confines of the shaft. Both the elevational and angular positions of the shaft are electronically monitored.

Abstract: The automatic chemical analyzer includes a turntable adapted to hold a plurality of disposable cuvettes. An optical system adjacent to the turntable can perform analytical absorbance or fluorescence tests on the contents of each cuvette as they are rotated on the turntable. A sample/reagent tray is rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the turntable axis. A common probe arm pivoted about a third parallel axis mounts a pipette that can be moved along an arcuate path intersecting a cuvette access station on the turntable and at least one container access station on the sample/reagent tray for transferring liquids as required by specific test procedures. A sample tube entry port is provided to support individual draw tubes that are manually delivered to the analyzer at a sample access station and to facilitate removal of samples by the pipette without exposing operating personnel to accidental contact with liquid materials in the draw tube.

Abstract: A compact optical test system for a chemical analyzer comprises a light-proof enclosure formed by two joined side compartments. One includes control surfaces for accurately positioning optical elements along desired light paths. The other includes retaining surfaces to maintain the optical elements in a centered position across the parting line of the two compartments. A single light source is used for both absorbance and fluorescence polarization measurement purposes.

Abstract: A disposable cuvette is molded of rigid transparent plastic resin that is impervious to liquids to be handled within it. The cuvette has a rectangular cross section. Identical side walls extend between upper and lower ends of each cuvette, the upper end being open for reception of liquids and the lower end being closed. Recessed optical surface areas at the lower end are perpendicular to one another for optical testing of the cuvette contents. An elongated cartridge holds a stack of abutting cuvettes to facilitate their handling.

Abstract: The automatic chemical analyzer includes a turntable adapted to hold a plurality of disposable cuvettes. An optical system adjacent to the turntable can perform tests on the contents of each cuvette as they are rotated on the turntable. A sample/reagent tray is rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the turntable axis. A common probe arm pivoted about a third parallel axis mounts a pipette that can be moved along an arcuate path intersecting a cuvette access station on the turntable and at least one container access station on the sample/reagent tray for transferring liquids as required by specific test procedures. A wash/alignment station is provided to facilitate flushing on the pipette between liquid deliveries. Combined within it is an alignment plate that checks the radial position of the pipette relative to the probe arm axis and the elevation of the pipette tip relative to the supporting instrument framework.

Abstract: A sample tube entry port for an automatic chemical analyzer supports individual draw tubes that are manually delivered to the analyzer at a sample access station. The entry port facilitates removal of samples by the pipette without exposing operating personnel to accidental contact with liquid materials in the draw tube. To accommodate draw tubes of differing heights, the apparatus includes a stripper that is selectively locked onto an elevationally movable ram carrying a receptacle for receiving a draw tube. A spring-biased tube clamp urges each draw tube against guides within the receptacle to center draw tubes of differing diameters. During operation of the apparatus, the receptacle is first lowered to a predetermined elevation, then raised to an intermediate elevation at which a draw tube closure is properly positioned for placement of the stripper immediately adjacent to its upper surface.

Abstract: The cuvette delivery apparatus for an automatic chemical analyzer includes a magazine that stores multiple stacks of substantially rectangular cuvettes. A ram outwardly adjacent to the magazine moves an exposed cuvette from a selected stack into an awaiting compartment of a turntable. Random access is provided to all stacks within the magazine. A mechanical follower monitors the selected stack and provides stack information for updating of cuvette inventory.