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: An automatic analysis apparatus for clinical examination is capable of performing analytical measurements with improved reliability by suppressing errors of data ascribable to the material of a reaction tube. Plural types of reaction tubes of mutually different materials are so arrayed as to arrive at a sampling position substantially in an alternate manner. In dependence on the item for analysis, the reaction tube of a material compatible with the analytical item is selected from plural types of the reaction tubes to be used for the analysis. The reaction tubes of mutually different materials are accommodated within respective containers. Upon performing the analysis, the reaction tube of the material compatible with the item for analysis is selected by a reaction tube transfer mechanism and set at a position from which the analysis is started, and then analysis is effected.

Abstract: A syringe is depressurized to suck a slight amount of air into the tip portion of a probe of a probe assembly, forming an air layer. Then, the syringe is depressurized again to suck into the probe assembly a sample to be discharged into a reaction container. Accordingly, the target sample to be discharged, the air layer and extruding water are placed into the probe assembly in the named order from the tip portion of the probe.

Abstract: An aspiration apparatus primarily including a biohazard-safe aspirating cartridge assembly for use with material which might be hazardous to humans. The cartridge assembly includes a longitudinally expandable and contractible washing chamber, within which a fluid aspirating needle is longitudinally positioned. Opposite ends of the washing chamber are secured to a pair of telescopically slidable mounting members, which are pluggably mountable to an operably associated support. A locking element surrounds one of the mounting members, for preventing accidental/premature telescoping. Intentional release of the locking element enables the pair of slidable members to be telescoped together by the drive means, causing the washing chamber to contract, permitting the tip of the aspirating needle to be extended out of the chamber, for penetration of an operably associated sealed container of material, for example whole blood.

Abstract: A generally spherical bead on the floor of a compartment is prevented from lying in the path of insertion of an elongated member into the compartment when the compartment is located at a site. A drive mechanism first moves the compartment relatively slowly and a small distance away from the site so that the inertia of the bead causes it to move with the compartment away from the insertion path. The compartment is then moved relatively quickly back to the site so that the inertia of the bead prevents it from moving with the compartment, to thereby position and maintain the bead away from the insertion path. The compartment has a relatively planar floor integral with side walls. When the compartment is at the site, a first side wall is adjacent to the insertion path and a second opposed side wall is remote from the insertion path.

Abstract: An analyzer that uses a wash head to access via vertical movement a container in the analyzer for washing, and a soak reservoir to keep the wash head from crusting over. To eliminate the need for rotary motion of the wash head, a mechanism is provided for mounting the reservoir and for aligning it concentric with the vertical movement of the wash head, and for moving the reservoir out of alignment when the wash head needs to enter and wash a container.

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: An apparatus and method for automatically aliquotting liquids, such as blood serum, is described. The invention provides a completely automatic, clean, self-contained system for collecting and aliquotting liquids and simultaneously cleaning the aliquotting system. The system includes a serum loading station, a sensing station, an indexing table for advancing test tubes to a collection station, an aliquotting station and a wash station.

Abstract: An automatic continuous multinominal analyzer comprises suction tubes to be inserted into vessels containing a reagent, each suction tube having a pair of electrode lines. The contacts of each pair of electrode lines are located above the suction port of the suction tube. Hence, the contacts are isolated from each other when the level of the reagent in a vessel is lower than the contacts, even if the reagent still remains in the vessel. If it is detected that the contacts in a vessel are isolated, this indicates that the vessel is almost empty. A display indicates a vessel which is almost empty on the basis of the result of the detection as to whether the contacts in the vessel are isolated. After a vessel is indicated on the display, the controller continues suction of the reagent and an analysis operation until the reagent in the indicated vessel is reduced to the minimum level which can be extracted through the suction tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for the in situ hybridization of slide-mounted cell samples contains modules for the three processes required: (a) reagent metering and spreading on a slide (1) which is effected by drawing a quantity of reagent (56-59) into a reservoir (31) and then spraying it on the slide (1) using air pressure. The rate of flow through the spray is ascertained by measurement and the dosage determined by timing the spraying; (b) slide washing; and (c) slide incubation. The slide washing and incubation are performed in the same dual-purpose housing (16). A high humidity level is maintained in the housing during incubation so that the samples do not need to be covered to prevent them drying out. A plurality of slides (1) are mounted in a carrier (11) to be washed and incubated at the same time.

Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer including a reaction turntable having a plurality of reaction vessels arranged along a periphery thereof, a sample turntable having a plurality of sample vessels arranged along the periphery thereof, a reagent turntable having a plurality of reagent bottles in which different kinds of reagents are contained, a sample delivery mechanism for delivering a given amount of a sample into a reaction vessel, and a reagent delivery mechanism for delivering a given amount of a reagent into the sample to form a test liquid in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method for applying a droplet of a liquid sample from a sample applying nozzle, which is movable between a retracted position and a sample applying position, to a test film which contains a reagent which will react with a liquid sample and give rise to a change in optical density, includes providing the leading edge of the sample applying nozzle with a test film sensor. Prior to the application of the droplet of the liquid sample to the test film, the sample applying nozzle is moved down until the test film sensor comes into contact with the test film, and the distance by which the sample applying nozzle was moved down is stored. At the time the liquid sample is applied to the test film, the distance by which the sample applying nozzle is moved down is adjusted in accordance with the stored distance so that the sample applying nozzle is moved down to a sample applying position spaced a predetermined distance from the test film.

Abstract: A device for translatorily moving a plate-shaped pipette tray to the processing station of an analyzer for alignment therein. The pipette tray which frictionally rests on a continuous movement device is thereby moved up to a stop member and roughly aligned. A sensor cooperates with an encoding bar formed on the pipette tray and by moving the pipette tray back by a stepper motor exactly aligns the pipettes in their processing station.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for automatically assaying a specific component in a sample by utilizing a top-opened reaction vessel containing a reagent capable of reacting with the specific component, and which is sealed with a seal foil on which a symbol for the reagent is shown: said analyzer comprising a seal foil breaker for breaking the seal foil, a sample dispenser for dispensing the sample to the vessel, and a detector for detecting a reaction signal caused by a reaction with the specific component and the reagent; a transfer device for transferring the reaction vessel and a symbol discriminator for discriminating the symbol shown on the seal foil, which is placed at a position on a transfer route of the reaction vessels transferred by the transfer device and at a position before the seal-foil breaker.

Abstract: An automatic immunoassay apparatus utilizes cartridges each having at least two wells, a first well containing solid phase material carrying antigen or antibody, and a second well containing antibody or antigen labelled with labelling compound. The wells may be sealed with a suitable sealing film before use and the sealing film is broken when the cartridge is to be used. The cartridges are transported to a predetermined position on a steppingly movable reaction line and conveyed thereby at a predetermined interval. While the reaction line steps, a sample, labelled antigen or antibody contained in the second well and substrate, if necessary, are added to the first well and stirred at predetermined timings, and reactions between the sample and a reactive solution are measured under control of a control device having a memory storing operator selectable programs for various measuring methods.

Abstract: There is described an analytical isntrument for the analysis of fluids such as biological fluids. The instrument includes a fluid dispensing system having a pipette for dispensing fluid test samples and test reagents to assay cartridges. An optical detection system provides a light beam which intercepts a downward travel path of the pipette prior to its reaching the dispense position. Measurement of the intensity of the light beam in conjunction with the position of the pipette enables a controller to indicate the presence or absence of a pipette tip. In addition, interception of the light beam by the pipette initiates a final approach sequence for the pipette to the dispense position above an assay cartridge by a predetermined increment of travel.

Abstract: The sample injection cell comprises a body and a bore through the body for receiving a probe to pass fluid sample into the bore. A transverse passageway into the body permits a diluent to enter the bore and be mixed with a sample in a predetermined ratio and be dispensed directly into the flow cell. The diluent simultaneously washes the probe when the probe is located in the bore. A waste basin forms part of an integral unit and is adjacent the bore so that fluid from a flow cell can enter the waste basin and then exit under gravity to a waste drain.

Abstract: A method for analyzing water or other liquid, in particular rain water, comprises the steps of providing a collector comprising at least first and second volumetric cells and a mechanism for causing water to flow selectively into the cells and for causing water to flow selectively from the cells. Water is caused to flow into a first one of the cells while it is prevented from flowing into the other one of the cells. The water collected in the first cell is caused to flow to a property determining cell when the first cell has been filled to a predetermined volume, and simultaneously water is prevented from flowing into the first cell while it is now permitted to flow into the second volumetric cell. The water collected in the second cell is then permitted to flow to a property determining cell when the second cell has been filled to a predetermined volume, and simultaneously the water is prevented from flowing to the second cell while it is now permitted to flow to the first cell.

Abstract: The slide analysis system includes a slide holding module spaced from an incubator module. A slide transfer device or pick and place mechanism withdraws slides from the slide holding module and inserts them into the incubator module. A metering device deposits serum onto a slide that is held in a spotting position by the slide transfer device. The metering device is movable to a sampling position in the slide holding module to aspirate serum from a serum source on the slide cartridge in the slide holding module and is also movable to a spotting position to spot serum on the slide held by the slide transfer device. The slide transfer device has rotational as well as transverse movement and includes jaws for gripping onto the sides of slides to withdraw a single slide from a cartridge, transport it to the incubator, insert the slide in the incubator and thereafter remove it from the incubator.

Abstract: An automated immunoassay analyzser comprising a transfer route on which test plates each having a plurality of chambers for immunological reaction opened upwards are transferred continually with a constant interval of time, and devices of at least A, B, C and D described below which are arranged on the transfer route from upstream to downstream in the order referred to in which the device A is for injecting the sample comprising a vertically and horizonally driven support, a pipet fixed to the support, and a nozzle tip usable for a single sample and removably attached to the lower end of the pipet, the device B is for B/F separation and the device C is for injecting the substrate solution and both devices are integratedly combined and comprise a vertically and horizontally driven support, a washing tube supported by the support, a temperature controllable solution reservoir block fixed to the support, a substrate injection tube provided to the lower side of the reservoir block, the washing tube and the substr

Abstract: A row composed of reaction vessels is arranged on a turntable and one unit of sample dispenser mechanism as well as one photometer and a plurality units of reagent feeding mechanism are arranged near the turntable. After a sample is added to one specified reaction vessel, the turntable is rotated by 180.degree. or more and stopped so as to advance the reaction vessel containing said sample by half a revolution plus one cell. During this rotation, approximately half of all the vessels cross the light path of the photometer for the absorbance of fluid in each vessel to be measured.A reagent is added to the specified reaction vessel at the next stop position after sampling in order to start reaction. The turntable is again rotated and stopped so as to advance the reaction vessel by half a revolution plus one cell. During this rotation, the reaction vessel crosses said light path of the photometer for the absorbance of the reaction fluid to be measured.

Abstract: An analyzer and sample trays are disclosed which permit more random sampling of patient samples than is conventional. The trays are open at the sides, and preferably include flags for sensing, and structure on the bottom wall for releasibly engaging a conveyor. The analyzer provides a separate linear track for each of the trays, in which the trays are mounted, and another conveyor for reciprocating each of the trays within its respective track and to a position that intersects a path taken by a moving aspirating and dispensing station.

Abstract: A multi-item automatic chemical analyzer comprising a reagent delivery system for delivering a plurality of reagents of different kinds into reaction vessels in succesion is disclosed. The influence of contamination between the reagents upon measurement is reduced or eliminated by controlling the reagent delivery system with a control system comprising a memory unit for storing information representing a relation of the test items, particularly the influence of contamination between the reagents upon the measurement, and a center process unit for controlling the operation of reagent delivery system in accordance with the stored information.

Abstract: An article for washing automated immunoassay apparatus probe is provided in the form of a plug member with first and second chambers. The first chamber is defined by a inner wall and a bottom surface which when positioned below a probe of a clinical analysis apparatus provides for recirculation of liquid dispensed from the probe back along the outer surface of the probe to remove residual sample from the probe surface prior to conducting subsequent tests with the probe. In the preferred embodiment of the plug, the second chamber is provided with a plurality of passages for drainage of fluid to a reagent waste container which, in the preferred embodiment, incorporates the plug member at the orifice thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically pipetting reagents which avoid contamination of the reagents. The reagents are withdrawn from a reagent bottle via a pipette tip which is unique to a particular reagent. The pipette tip is moved to a cuvette where the reagent is dispensed and then returned to rest in the cap of the reagent bottle. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a pump, pipette pick-up device, reagent bottle cap and bottle rack.

Abstract: An air knife is positioned to direct a stream or blast of air across the tip of a sample probe as it is withdrawn from a cuvette containing a reagent, diluent, and patient sample solution. After the probe is flushed with diluent, the air knife drives any droplets of diluent fluid off the probe tip into the cuvette and thereby prevents contamination or dilution of the sample material in the sample containers.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus is characterized by a cleaning arrangement movable with the aspirating needle of the apparatus. The cleaning arrangement includes a pair of mating wellheads one of which has a flange with a planar surface thereon. The other of the wellheads has a corresponding cutout therein. When registered, the wellheads cooperate to define a well-like chamber with a closed bottom. The wellheads are each mounted on an arm which is movable from open to closed dispositions in response to movement of the aspirating needle.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described which permit the detection of penetration of liquid by an apertured container used for aspirating and dispensing the liquid. The apparatus and method feature control means for advancing the container an increment of the maximum possible distance to the liquid; generating a pressure differential within the dispensing container that is sufficient to generate a signal that is indicative of whether the container aperture is closed by the liquid; detecting and signalling the pressure produced within the container by such a pressure differential; and comparing such signalled pressure against a reference value determinative of whether the container has penetrated the liquid.

Abstract: An automatic sampling method for introducing a diluted viscous sample into an instrument for analysis for trace elements. The automatic sampling system includes a tube assembly, a member for mounting the tube assembly in proper relation, means for maintaining, between sampling, the free end of the tube assembly in a cleaning solution, and means for inserting the free end of the tube assembly into a sample contained within a container. Preferably, the instrument is a spectrometer, the samples are organic and aqueous samples, such as oils, brines, sludges, plating solutions and the like, and the trace elements include wear metals and also other elements, such as calcium, barium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, boron, phosphor and the like.

Abstract: A special cleaner is located between a sample cup at the sample absorbing position and a reaction case at the sample delivery position. This cleaner has a V-shaped recess, in which the cleaning liquid is filled in a pile. A pipetting tube is inserted into the sample cup, and a serum sample of the amount corresponding to a plurality of analysis items is absorbed and held by the pipetting tube. The pipetting tube hoisted upward is carried to the sample delivery position. In the process, the pipetting tube passes through cleaning liquid, so that the outer wall of the pipetting tube is cleaned within a short time, thus removing the excessive serum attached to the outer wall. The pipetting tube is lowered into the reaction case associated with the first analysis item to deliver a predetermined amount of serum sample thereinto. The pipetting tube is raised again and the train of reaction cases advances one step so that the tube is inserted into the next reaction case.

Abstract: An automatic sampling system and method for introducing a diluted viscous sample into an instrument for analysis for trace elements. The automatic sampling system includes a tube assembly, a member for mounting the tube assembly in proper relation, means for maintaining, between sampling, the free end of the tube assembly in a cleaning solution, and means for inserting the free end of the tube assembly into a sample contained within a container. Preferably, the instrument is a spectrometer, the samples are organic and aqueous samples, such as oils, brines, sludges, plating solutions and the like, and the trace elements include wear metals and also other elements, such as calcium, barium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, boron, phosphor and the like.

Abstract: A method for on-line analysis of a coal sample. Four radial arms (16) extend from the output shaft (28) of an indexing motor (14). Sample cups (12) at the ends of the arms are indexed along a circular path past a filling station (18) where the cup is filled with pulverized coal, an analyzing station (20) where various chemical analyses are performed on the coal sample, a dumping station station (22) where the residue of the coal sample is dumped for disposal, and a cleaning station (24) where the sample cup is cleaned in preparation for another analysis cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analyzing apparatus for applying samples and reagents to the surface of a reaction carrier and for optically analyzing each component contained in the various samples. The dispensing of the samples and reagents and the optical detection operation are performed by an optics/dispensing mechanism moved relative to the reaction carrier in two dimensions. The optics/dispensing mechanism is combined with a cleaning apparatus for cleansing reagents and samples from a dispensing needle by means of a rinsing agent and air ejected toward the needle. The apparatus further includes an automatic lifting mechanism for lifting and replacing a cover disposed on the reaction carrier, and is adapted to move the dispensing needle to a position over a nearby reagent/sample holder so that the needle may take up a desired reagent or sample from the holder and transfer it to the surface of the reaction carrier.

Abstract: A method for washing a U-shaped reaction tube having a thick cup portion and a thin non-cup portion is disclosed. At a first washing position, a washing liquid is supplied into the cup portion of reaction tube like a shower and is simultaneously sucked via the non-cup portion of reaction tube. Then, the washing liquid is supplied again into the reaction tube to fill the tube therewith at a second washing position. Finally, at a third washing position, the washing liquid contained in the reaction tube is drained at such a relatively slow rate that the liquid level of the washing liquid descends slowly. Any drop of the washing liquid is not remained on the inner wall of test tube, and thus it is possible to effect a highly accurate analysis without being affected by contamination between sample solutions.