Abstract: A movable flow controller is interposed in a fluid flow path. The flow controller includes an elongate groove having a first end and a second end. The groove preferably is sized and shaped so that a cross-sectional area of the groove changes along its length from the first end to the second end, and terminates in a hole through the flow controller. In operation, a portion of the groove is aligned with an inlet of the flow path on a first side of the controller, and the hole is in communication with an outlet of the flow path on a second side of the controller. Moving the flow controller relative to the flow path input varies the minimum cross-sectional area of the flow path through the controller and thus selectively limits fluid flow through the controller.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers is provided. The cap piercing station utilizes a piercing blade having a generally Z-shape cross-section, a carriage assembly for moving the blade to pierce a cap on a container, an alignment block assembly for preventing the container from being lifted up by friction with the blade when the blade is being withdrawn from a pierced cap, and a latch assembly for latching the alignment block assembly when the blade is being withdrawn.

Abstract: A movable flow controller is interposed in a fluid flow path. The flow controller includes an elongate groove having a first end and a second end. The groove preferably is sized and shaped so that a cross-sectional area of the groove changes along its length from the first end to the second end, and terminates in a hole through the flow controller. In operation, a portion of the groove is aligned with an inlet of the flow path on a first side of the controller, and the hole is in communication with an outlet of the flow path on a second side of the controller. Moving the flow controller relative to the flow path input varies the minimum cross-sectional area of the flow path through the controller and thus selectively limits fluid flow through the controller.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers is provided. The cap piercing station utilizes a piercing blade having a generally Z-shaped cross-section, a carriage assembly for moving the blade to pierce a cap on a container, an alignment block assembly for preventing the container from being lifted up by friction with the blade when the blade is being withdrawn from a pierced cap, and a latch assembly for latching the alignment block assembly when the blade is being withdrawn.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers is provided. The cap piercing station utilizes a piercing blade having a generally Z-shaped cross-section, a carriage assembly for moving the blade to pierce a cap on a container, an alignment block assembly for preventing the container from being lifted up by friction with the blade when the blade is being withdrawn from a pierced cap, and a latch assembly for latching the alignment block assembly when the blade is being withdrawn.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers. The piercing station has a structural frame with two vertical guide rods. A carriage assembly is slidably mounted on the guide rods and is further driven to move up and down along the guide rods. The carriage assembly carries a blade holder, which in turn holds a piercing blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a center blade and two cross blades interlocked together, such that the blade assembly has a generally modified “H”-shaped cross section for piercing a cap on the sample container. Lubricant left in or on the sample container cap by the piercing station reduces the force required by the sample probe to penetrate thick stoppers for sample aspiration and level sensing. The “H”-shaped cut helps to equalize the pressure in the sample container during sampling, so that clot detection is more effective.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers is provided. The cap piercing station utilizes a piercing blade having a generally Z-shaped cross-section, a carriage assembly for moving the blade to pierce a cap on a container, an alignment block assembly for preventing the container from being lifted up by friction with the blade when the blade is being withdrawn from a pierced cap, and a latch assembly for latching the alignment block assembly when the blade is being withdrawn.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: A one piece, injection molded single piece, well container suitable for reagents for use in a clinical instrument such as a protein analyzer, normally molded from a high density polyethylene or other recyclable plastic. The container is one or more wells, uses standard caps, and is readily adapted to automatic filling equipment. The molded, single piece reagent cartridge is used in a clinical instrument, the reagent cartridge comprised of a plurality of storage wells located in a line in fixed relationship. The reagent cartridge has a guide at one end which is engageable with a means on the receiving means on an analyzer to restrain the cartridge from radial or lateral movement. Each of the wells has side walls and a closed bottom, and the side walls have an upper terminal position including an access opening.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: A sample segment including a body and wells formed therein, selected wells including a flat exterior surface surrounding a tapered end. The sample segment may retain selected reagents, and a sealing cover is held by ribs, stretched and pressed against raised bosses formed around the well openings to provide a sure seal. The bosses are discontinuous between adjacent wells. Selected wells may contain a free mixing element for enhanced mixing. The segment is uniquely adapted for automated handling and processing.

Abstract: A capillary and capillary retaining system including a capillary assembly having first and second end holders. The first and second end holders are adapted to be received by first and second retainers. The first end holder may include protruding portions and the first end retainer includes clips or clamps to engage the protruding portions. The second end holder may include opposite recesses and the second retainer is adapted to receive optical cables that are received within the recesses to retain the second end holder. The second retainer can further include a lever on the retainer body to pry the second holder out of the second retainer. Locks or clips retained by the second end retainer cooperate with grooves in the optical cables to retain the optical cables.

Abstract: A capillary and capillary retaining system including a capillary assembly having first and second end holders. The first and second end holders are adapted to be received by first and second retainers. The first end holder may include protruding portions and the first end retainer includes clips to receive the protruding portions. The second end holder may include opposite recesses and the second retainer is adapted to receive optical cables that are received within the recesses to retain the second end holder. Locks retained by the second end retainer cooperate with grooves in the optical cables to retain the optical cables.

Abstract: A sample handling system suitable for use with a sample segment and a plurality of capillaries, including a rotatable and vertically translatable arm including an attachment portion to removably receive and retain the sample segment and a manifold adapted to removably retain the sample segment and the plurality of capillaries. The sample segment may be held by the attachment portion by the application of vacuum. Rotatable and vertical translation of the arm may be accomplished by a spindle and guide rails that are resiliently retained. The manifold may include a degassing reservoir and fluid manipulating valves retained by adapters configured to fail if external force is applied to the associated valve.

Abstract: A pinch valve for selectively pinching or releasing a multiple plurality of fluid conduits includes a rotatable single cam as part of a rotor within a stator for locating the fluid conduits. The cam periphery with different lobe surfaces for engaging movable means which is either a plunger or a endless belt which pinch or release multiple fluid conduits. The rotor integrally includes a gear, shaft and flag indicator and is operable by a stepper motor. A backing means about the stator resiliently resists movement.

Abstract: A liquid degassing system including a liquid reservoir having an inlet to receive a liquid to be degassed and an outlet through which degassed liquid may flow. A vacuum source is controllably connected through a valve to the reservoir to draw gas out of the liquid held within the reservoir. A valve in a liquid inlet conduit supplying the reservoir may interrupt flow to the reservoir while vacuum is applied thereto. A second valve in an outlet conduit connected to the reservoir may interrupt flow from the reservoir when vacuum is applied to the reservoir.

Abstract: A device for generating a plurality of gas bubbles in a liquid. The device includes a conduit adapted to carry the liquid. A first gas chamber is formed near the conduit and an orifice proximate a side wall of the conduit defines a passageway between the first gas chamber and the conduit. A valve member is adapted to seat against and close the orifice. The device may include a second gas chamber and a diaphragm responsive to gas pressure in the second gas chamber. A conduit connecting the first and second chambers may include a variable vent for controlling the size and number of gas bubbles injected into the liquid flowing in the conduit.

Abstract: A random access rotary pinch valve for controlling fluid flow through a plurality of fluid conduits. The valve is adapted to receive and retain the fluid conduits and includes, for each of the conduits, a toggle mechanism comprising a piston and a toggle. The piston and toggle can be latched to pinch the associated fluid conduit to a non-conducting state or may be latched with the conduit in a fluid conducting state. An actuator arm is selectively positioned over the toggle mechanisms and is displaced so as to actuate the toggles from one state to another, thus changing the state of fluid conduction through the associated flexible conduit. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the fluid conduits are arranged about the periphery of an annular valve body and the actuator arm is pivoted by means of the stepper motor over the toggle mechanisms.