Abstract: A reagent cartridge for use in an automated clinical analyzer, the reagent cartridge including a plurality of storage compartments each including wall members. The reagent cartridge includes connecting members formed integrally with the storage compartments for holding the storage compartments in a fixed relationship with respect to each other and separating the wall members from each other to thus prevent reagent migration between adjacent reagent compartments. Each of the storage compartments includes an access opening and a neck formed about the opening, the neck including a collar that is spaced a predetermined distance from a bottom wall of the associated storage compartment, the predetermined distance adapted to accommodate an automatically controlled reagent transfer probe.

Abstract: A reagent cartridge for use in an automated clinical analyzer, the reagent cartridge including a plurality of storage compartments each including wall members. The reagent cartridge includes connecting members formed integrally with the storage compartments for holding the storage compartments in a fixed relationship with respect to each other and separating the wall members from each other to thus prevent reagent migration between adjacent reagent compartments. Each of the storage compartments includes an access opening and a neck formed about the opening, the neck including a collar that is spaced a predetermined distance from a bottom wall of the associated storage compartment, the predetermined distance adapted to accommodate an automatically controlled reagent transfer probe.

Abstract: A sample loading and unloading apparatus for an automated clinical instrument including a loading tray adapted to receive a plurality of sample carrying sectors. The apparatus further includes a sample carousel having a plurality of locations each adapted to receive sample sectors. The portion of the sample carousel nearest the loading tray defines a transfer position. The loading tray includes a transfer assembly for transferring a sector positioned at the transfer position from the sample carousel to the loading tray and simultaneously transferring a sector from the loading tray to the sample carousel. The transfer assembly includes a transfer spider which may be pneumatically raised to temporarily lift the sample sectors from the loading tray and the sample sector from the transfer position.

Abstract: A film sheet cassette accommodates optical imaging by holding the edges of a film sheet between an apertured frame and a pressure plate. A cam arrangement permits the film to be released for loading and unloading through an end slot. The frame defines guide tracks for a slide plate that covers the aperture and prevents light access to the film when not in use.