Abstract: A method and system of sample aliquot storage for automated immunochemistry or chemistry instruments are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel for storing sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled enclosed environment, which are accessible by both a sample pipettor of a sample aliquoting station and a pick-and-place gripper. The pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels containing sample aliquots to multiple independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay, and thereafter transports the sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to the sample storage wheel to be stored in the chilled environment for reflex testing. When all the tests are completed, the pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels to a waste storage area.

Abstract: A method and system of sample aliquot storage for automated immunochemistry or chemistry instruments are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel for storing sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled enclosed environment, which are accessible by both a sample pipettor of a sample aliquoting station and a pick-and-place gripper. The pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels containing sample aliquots to multiple independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay, and thereafter transports the sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to the sample storage wheel to be stored in the chilled environment for reflex testing. When all the tests are completed, the pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels to a waste storage area.

Abstract: Fluid flow cartridges, systems and methods for qualitative or quantitative analysis of a sample material are disclosed. Cartridges of the invention are constructed for fluid flow into, out of and internally throughout the cartridges. The cartridges can be used with an analytical instrument configured to interface with the instrument and present the sample or a reagent fluid at a location and in a form appropriate for analysis of the sample by the instrument. The invention is particularly advantageous for use in analytical systems in many fields but may also be used for non-analytical purposes.

Abstract: A photographic reprint system utilizes film segments or strips which are attached to an elongated tab. Information relating to the printing of each frame, including the desired print quantity, the color balance setup to be used in printing the frame, and exposure corrections used in printing that frame are stored sequentially in a storage medium such as a floppy disk. After the tab with attached film segments has been prepared, it is taken to a photographic printer where the tab with attached film segments is advanced sequentially and the film frames are printed. This printing is based upon information which is retrieved sequentially from the storage medium. The photographic printer includes displays for displaying the print quantity, color balance setup, and exposure corrections for each frame. In addition, the printer includes a display for displaying the order number, strip number, and frame number corresponding to the information retrieved from the storage medium.

Abstract: A photographic reprint system includes a preparation station at which film segments or strips are attached to an elongated paper tab. Holes are punched in the tab to indicate the location of each film frame to be printed. Information relating to the printing of each film frame, including the desired print quantity, is stored sequentially in a storage medium, such as a floppy disk. In addition, the desired print quantity is printed in human readable form on the tab. After the tab with attached film segments has been prepared, it is taken to a photographic printer, where the tab with the attached film segments is advanced sequentially and the negatives are printed. Prior to the printing of each film frame, the desired print quantity which was stored in the storage means is retrieved and displayed. If the desired print quantity exceeds a predetermined number of prints, the printer waits for verification from the operator before printing.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes light sensors for measuring optical characteristics of photographic film to be printed. Prior to printing, the output signals of the light sensors are monitored under one or more reference condition, and calibration values based upon this monitoring are derived and stored. During normal operation of the photographic printer the sensors provide measurements of the optical characteristics of the film, and the output signals of the light sensors are calibrated based upon the stored calibration values. The exposures are then controlled as a function of the corrected output signals.

Abstract: A photographic printer has a first set of negholds for use with first-run production printing, and a second set of negholds for use with reprint production printing from film segments attached to an elongated paper tab. The first set of negholds includes one neghold for each of the commonly used sizes of photographic film, such as 110, 126 and 135. Similarly, the second set of negholds includes a neghold for each of these same common film sizes. Circuitry associated with the neghold indicate to the printer control whether a first-run neghold or a reprint neghold is being used. The photographic printer has stored a first set of calibration values for use with the first set of negholds and a second set of calibration values for use with the second set of negholds. Based upon the indication from the circuitry associated with the negholds, the photographic printer automatically selects which set of calibration values are to be used.

Abstract: A photographic reprint system includes a preparation station at which film segments or strips are attached to an elongated tab. Indicia (typically in the form of holes) are formed in the tab to indicate the location of each film frame, to signify the end of the film segment, the end of a customer order, and the end of a reel. Information relating to the printing of each film frame, including the number of holes in the tab adjacent that frame, is stored in a storage medium such as a floppy disk. At a photographic printer, the tab and attached film segments are advanced sequentially to a print gate, where printing occurs based upon the data which is sequentially retrieved from the storage medium. A first hole sensor located upstream of the print gate counts the number of holes in the tab as each frame is advanced to the print gate, and this number is compared with the stored number which has been retrieved from the storage medium.

Abstract: A photographic reprint system utilizes an elongated paper tab to which film segments or strips are attached. Information relating to the printing of each film frame of the segments attached to the tab is stored sequentially in a storage medium such as a floppy disk. This information includes the selected color balance setup and a film size or format code indicating the size of the film segment. After the tab with attached film segments has been prepared, it is taken to a photographic printer, where the tab with the attached film segments is advanced sequentially and the negatives are printed. The printing is based upon information which is sequentially retrieved from the storage medium. Among the information contained in the selected color balance setup is a film size code indicating the size of film for which the color balance setup is used. The photographic printer compares the film size code from the selected color balance setup with the film size code retrieved from the storage medium.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes light sensors for measuring optical characteristics of photographic film to be printed. Prior to printing, the output signals of the light sensors are monitored under one or more reference condition, and calibration values based upon this monitoring are derived and stored. During normal operation of the photographic printer the sensors provide measurements of the optical characteristics of the film, and the output signals of the light sensors are calibrated based upon the stored calibration values. The exposures are then controlled as a function of the corrected output signals.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes an automatic film measurement system which provides measurements of a film negative at defined discrete or continuous areas. The measurement system includes a light source on one side of the film, an array of light sensors on the opposite side of the film, and a plurality of interchangeable first light-guiding modules. The interchangeable modules are used with different size film and are interposed between the film and the array of light sensors. Each module has a plurality of light-conducting channels which have their first ends exposed at the first surface proximate the film and have their second ends exposed at a second surface proximate the array. The pattern at the second surface corresponds to the array of light sensors so that the light sensors receive light from different portions of the film through the light-conducting channels. In preferred embodiments, a plurality of interchangeable second light-guiding modules are also provided for use with different size films.

Abstract: A method and system of sample aliquot storage for automated immunochemistry or chemistry instruments are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel for storing sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled enclosed environment, which are accessible by both a sample pipettor of a sample aliquoting station and a pick-and-place gripper. The pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels containing sample aliquots to multiple independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay, and thereafter transports the sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to the sample storage wheel to be stored in the chilled environment for reflex testing. When all the tests are completed, the pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels to a waste storage area.