Abstract: An automated chemistry analysis method is disclosed. In one general aspect, the method includes receiving a modular chemistry analysis test unit that includes one or more vessels for one or more reagents, and a machine-readable test specification coupled with the vessels. The method also includes defining a test that defines a test including a series of operations that employ the reagents for the vessels, and installing the chemistry analysis test unit in a first chemistry analyzer that includes one or more analysis tools and sequencing logic for sequencing instructions to be carried out by the analysis tools. The machine-readable test specification is automatically received from the chemistry analysis test module and stored for access by the sequencing logic to allow the sequencing logic to instruct the analysis tools to carry out the test defined by the test specification.

Abstract: A chemistry analyzer is disclosed that can include a unitary base with vertical and horizontal supports for constraining subassemblies. The subassemblies include at least a reagent/sample carousel subassembly, a transfer arm subassembly, and a reaction carousel subassembly. A centralized hydraulic system can also be provided behind a user access panel. The analyzer can use machine-readable test specifications coupled with its reagent vessels to define tests that include operations that employ the reagents. The analyzer can also display to the operator a pictorial representation that includes graphical elements that convey levels of usage for the storage vessels, and access icons that are each associated with a color and each lead to a set of screens for different types of operations for the analyzer.

Abstract: Disclosed in one general aspect is a modular chemistry analysis test unit for a chemistry analyzer that includes one or more vessels for one or more reagents. A machine-readable test specification is coupled with the vessels and identifies a series of test operations that employ the reagents for the vessels. The specification includes one or more reagent quantity specifications that specify a quantity of the reagents to mix with a test sample, and one or more reaction duration specifications that specify a reaction time for the reagents and test sample.

Abstract: Disclosed in one general aspect is a method of operating a chemistry analyzer method that includes determining usage levels associated with a plurality of storage vessels that store reagents for use by the analyzer. A pictorial representation that includes a plurality of graphical elements that convey levels of usage for the storage vessels is displayed to the operator. A series of access icons that are each associated with a color and each lead to a set of screens for different types of operations for the analyzer are also displayed, with the screens being color coded to correspond to the color associated with their respective access icons.

Abstract: An automated chemistry analysis method is disclosed. In one general aspect, the method includes receiving a modular chemistry analysis test unit that includes one or more vessels for one or more reagents, and a machine-readable test specification coupled with the vessels. The method also includes defining a test that defines a test including a series of operations that employ the reagents for the vessels, and installing the chemistry analysis test unit in a first chemistry analyzer that includes one or more analysis tools and sequencing logic for sequencing instructions to be carried out by the analysis tools. The machine-readable test specification is automatically received from the chemistry analysis test module and stored for access by the sequencing logic to allow the sequencing logic to instruct the analysis tools to carry out the test defined by the test specification.

Abstract: A chemistry analyzer precision pump is disclosed. In one general aspect, it has a pump block that defines a first pump chamber with a fluid port at a first end, an opening for a piston at a second end, and a seal mount located between the opening and the port. A second, smaller, pump chamber also has a fluid port at a first end, an opening for a piston at a second end, and a seal mount located between the opening and the port. A first seal is mounted at the first seal mount and a second seal is mounted at the second seal mount. A first piston is mounted to reciprocate in the first pump chamber, past the first seal, and a second, smaller piston is mounted to reciprocate in the second pump chamber, past the second seal. The first and second pistons and the first and second pump chambers can be conically shaped.

Abstract: A chemistry analyzer is disclosed that can include a unitary base with vertical and horizontal supports for constraining subassemblies. The subassemblies include at least a reagent/sample carousel subassembly, a transfer arm subassembly, and a reaction carousel subassembly. A centralized hydraulic system can also be provided behind a user access panel. The analyzer can use machine-readable test specifications coupled with its reagent vessels to define tests that include operations that employ the reagents. The analyzer can also display to the operator a pictorial representation that includes graphical elements that convey levels of usage for the storage vessels, and access icons that are each associated with a color and each lead to a set of screens for different types of operations for the analyzer.

Abstract: A chemistry analyzer precision pump is disclosed. In one general aspect, it has a pump block that defines a first pump chamber with a fluid port at a first end, an opening for a piston at a second end, and a seal mount located between the opening and the port. A second, smaller, pump chamber also has a fluid port at a first end, an opening for a piston at a second end, and a seal mount located between the opening and the port. A first seal is mounted at the first seal mount and a second seal is mounted at the second seal mount. A first piston is mounted to reciprocate in the first pump chamber, past the first seal, and a second, smaller piston is mounted to reciprocate in the second pump chamber, past the second seal. The first and second pistons and the first and second pump chambers can be conically shaped.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological samples does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensors chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and include film sensors with use life record memories and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological samples does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensors chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and include film sensors with use life record memories and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and include film sensors with use life record memories and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement. so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and include film sensors with use life record memories and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement, so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement, so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different tpes of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement. so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.

Abstract: A modular automated diagnostic analyzer having a fluid entry module for sample aspiration, a valve module for selecting fluids and a pump module for fluidic movement so that a biological sample does not come into contact with the valve system through which calibrants and air are introduced to the fluid path. The fluid entry module encloses an aspiration tube rotatably and slidably engaged with the analysis mechanism chassis to move to different positions for the introduction of calibration and cleaning fluids and the aspiration of fluids into the analysis apparatus from a different types of sample containers. A wiping seal removes residues of aspirated fluids from the exterior surfaces of the aspiration tube with the residue being aspirated into the analysis apparatus for disposal. Sensor modules mounted in a sensor chamber are structured to mechanically stack and interlock and each sensor module includes a fluid tight sealed passage and a sensor element.