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 quantitative liquid sampling instrument comprises a main body of a pipet device which includes a pipet tip having an opening at its lower end for sucking and discharging a liquid. The pipet tip being in a shape of a tube shell having a cavity for holding a liquid sucked therein through the opening and being made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. The main body further comprising a device for applying a gas pressure for sucking or discharging the liquid to or from the inside of the cavity of the pipet tip.

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: A method for diluting and mixing specimen such as blood and a reagent, which is designed to prepare a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent at a specific ratio by discharging the reagent in a passage for quantitative determination in a sampling valve by a specified amount of the reagent. The method is such that specimen is discharged by reagent first at a low speed and thereafter at a usual speed by a reagent discharge device. The reagent discharge device may comprise a syringe, a pump having a thin film for forming air and liquid chambers, or the like. As constructed, the specimen is not damaged due to fluid pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for diluting and mixing specimen such as blood and a reagent, which is designed to prepare a mixed solution of a specimen and a reagent at a specific ratio by discharging the reagent in a passage for quantitative determination in a sampling valve by a specified amount of the reagent. The apparatus is designed so that specimen is discharged by reagent first at a low speed and thereafter at a usual speed by a reagent discharge device. The reagent discharge device may comprise a syringe, a pump having a thin film for forming air and liquid chambers, or the like. As constructed, the apparatus is not damaged due to fluid pressure.

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: An apparatus (1) for processing or preparing liquid samples for a preferably quantitative chemical analysis, especially for flow-injection analysis, is, for the purpose of miniaturisation and reducing the necessary sample volume while at the same time reducing the analysis time, assembled from a set of plate-like components (8). Each of the components (8) includes channels to form pipe pieces (9) and/or branches (13) with orifices and/or values, for example non-return valves, and/or pumps (6,7) in order to be able to feed the carrier liquid and sample to a detector (3) in the desired manner. Depending on the purpose of the analysis, the components (8) with the pipes and functional parts contained in them may be stacked in varying number and/or sequence and/or angular orientation relative to one another and can be connected in a sealing manner in the operative position.

Abstract: A dispenser which can deliver precise small amounts of a liquid is disclosed. The dispenser is particularly suited to applying reagents in a biological test such as an immunoassay. It includes a reservoir chamber linked to a dispense chamber via a check valve, the two chambers preferably being in the form of syringes. An outlet line leading from the dispense chamber to a nozzle includes a delay check valve (preferably a ball inside a cylindrical chamber) which allows continuous outward flow, but shuts off flow in the reverse direction after allowing a predetermined volume to pass. The process of refilling the dispense chamber from the reservoir chamber creates reverse flow in the nozzle and causes a hanging drop of liquid at the tip of the nozzle to be withdrawn.

Abstract: An analyzer is described including a mechanism for scanning containers having variable diameters arranged in a tray and filled with body fluids, and for fixing the container and tray relative to an aspiration station for purposes of centering the aspiration probe to the containers. The scanning and positional centering mechanism include two movable scanning elements and a sensor which is associated with both elements and can be activated by them. The scanning elements are arranged normal to a pivotable transporter providing a transport path for the containers and preferably by means of two spring elements, retained in initial positions towards the transport path. By pivoting the transporter from a tray track to a scanning station for the containers, the scanning elements are moved to end positions and the sensor produces a signal which will depend upon the diameter of the container as positioned at the scanning station.

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: The metering device for a slide analysis system deposits serum onto a slide that is held in a spotting position by a slide transfer device. The metering device is movable to a sampling position relative to a slide holding module to aspirate serum from a serum source on a 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 metering device also has rotational as well as elevational movement and includes a built-in pipette tip ejector for discarding a used pipette tip.

Abstract: An analytical instrument sample vial positioning and sensor device. A radius or cone-shaped body portion extending below a surface contacts a loosely held sample vial having a flexible septum thereon. The shaped body portion is biased downward resulting in the relative movement between the sample vial and shaped body portion tending to center the flexible septum under the shaped body. A longitudinal bore extending through the shaped body permits the insertion of a syringe needle for the removal of a sample to be analyzed. The pre-positioning of the sample vial presents syringe needles from being bent or broken due to inappropriate alignment with respect to the septum. A sensor is incorporated with the shaped body to detect the presence or absence of a sample vial.

Abstract: An apparatus for the stepwise performance of chemical reactions characterized by a cup-shaped reactor vessel spinning around its longitudinal axis, and a pipette for applying samples, reagents, and solvents onto the inner wall of the vessel. The pipette is rotatable around an axis, and can be positioned at a location from which it can be lowered into reservoirs for drawing in or for ejecting liquid. The pipette can furthermore be positioned at a location from which it can be lowered into the vessel for applying sample, reagents or solvents onto its inner wall or it can be positioned at a location from which it can be lowered to remove reaction products and excess products from the bottom of the vessel. The apparatus can be used for automatically sequencing proteins and/or peptides.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting a dispensing tip from a surface onto which liquid is to be dispensed, a proper distance that precludes the dispensing stream from puddling up, or from breaking apart. The method features the formation on the tip of a meniscus of a nominal small volume and advancing the tip and meniscus until the surface is contacted. The resulting decrease in pressure in the tip is measured, to trigger the tip to stop its advance and to start dispensing. In circumstances wherein the contacted surface is hydrophobic so as to ideally require a meniscus depth greater than the nominal depth, the tip is retreated from the surface, during dispensing, to the ideal depth.

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 probe is introduced through the elastomeric cap of a closed sample container and moved sideways to stretch the cap and thereby provide an air passage to atmosphere while the sample is aspirated.

Abstract: A method of analysis in which a first fluid is delivered to a sensing position at a controlled first rate of flow through a fluid junction. Fluid including this first fluid is pumped to the sensing position at a rate of flow greater than the first rate, whereby to aspirate further fluid into the first fluid at the fluid junction. A condition of the fluid is sensed at the sensing position. Associated analytic apparatus includes first and second pumps (1, 2). The first pump has a pair of ports and the second pump has at least one port. A conduit (4, 5) provides fluid flow communication from a first of the ports of the first pump (1) to the port of the second pump (2). A fluid junction (3) in the conduit (4, 5) is spaced from the second pump for admitting a further fluid to the conduit. A sensor (13) is associated with the conduit (5) to sense a condition of the fluid in the conduit at least at a sensing position between the fluid junction (3) and the second pump (2).

Abstract: A device for injecting a fixed quantity of sample liquid is provided with a unit for aspirating and injecting sample liquid. The sample aspirating and injection unit has a nozzle connecting portion. The liquid injection device is provided with an injection nozzle attached to and detachable from the nozzle connecting portion of the sample aspirating and injecting unit and electrodes are attached to the injection nozzle. Conductive members which are electrically connected to the electrodes of the injection nozzle are attached to the nozzle connecting portion of the sample aspirating and injecting unit, and a detecting unit which cooperates with the electrodes to detect the surface level of sample liquid is connected to the conductive members.

Abstract: A pipetting device comprises a retaining cone for holding a slip-on pipette tip and a piston chamber, which communicates with a passage of the retaining cone and contains a reciprocable piston, which acts on the pipette tip that has been fitted on the retaining cone. A filter is provided in the assembly and consists of an aerosol-retaining filter that is detachably mounted in a region which includes the lower end of the pipetting device (1), including the retaining cone (8), as well as the upper end portion of the pipette tip (10) below the retaining cone. The filter may be designed in various ways and may have a progressive filter action. The filter may be arranged in the lower end portion of the retaining cone (8) or in the pipette tip (10) or in an interposed member.

Abstract: A device for preserving sterility during the taking of samples for analysis from culture medium containers. This device comprises a holder containing a sampling chamber which encloses a sliding piston fitted at one end with a toric cavity for removal of the sample for analysis, and a dilution chamber linked to the first chamber by a duct. The second chamber is divided into two parts by a central bearing and contains two sliding pistons which may abut respectively the opposite sides of the bearing. The second chamber comprises an inlet for the dilution solvent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample preparation chamber for a system for preparing samples of various compositions for assay by liquid chromatography. The sample preparation chamber is includes a container having a threaded cap and a threaded, lightweight, translucent plastic cup. A stirrer/grinder shaft driven by a motor and connected to a propeller/grinder passes through the cap. The cup has a sloped bottom with a sump region, and a fill/empty pipe passes through the cap and has its outlet at or near the sump. A nozzle/fill pipe arrangement allows the walls to be washed down as liquid is pumped into the cup. A second fill pipe with its outlet spaced up from the bottom of the cup is also used, and a sample metering valve having an inlet in said cup is present.

Abstract: A system for detecting analytes in air or aqueous systems includes a permeation absorption preconcentrator sampler for the analytes and analyte detectors. The preconcentrator has an inner fluid-permeable container into which a charge of analyte-sorbing liquid is intermittently injected, and a fluid-impermeable outer container. The sample is passed through the outer container and around the inner container for trapping and preconcentrating the analyte in the sorbing liquid. The analyte can be detected photometrically by injecting with the sorbing material a reagent which reacts with the analyte to produce a characteristic color or fluorescence which is detected by illuminating the contents of the inner container with a light source and measuring the absorbed or emitted light, or by producing a characteristic chemiluminescence which can be detected by a suitable light sensor. The analyte can also be detected amperometrically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line monitoring of a characteristic of a process liquid stream includes a cell for isolating a precise volume of the liquid. A sample chamber is over filled and the excess removed from the chamber by using a downwardly extending drain line which terminates at a precisely positioned, downwardly facing inlet negative pressure is applied to the drain line to draw the excess liquid upwardly from the captured volume until the liquid level reaches the inlet and entry of air disrupts the liquid draining effect. The embodiment shown employs a closed volume, a vent, a conduit for delivery of process liquid into the cell under pressure and a syphon/drain line for removing excess liquid from the cell volume until there remains only a sample of accurately repeatable volume.

Abstract: A method of syringing reaction beads in examination of blood or the like comprises the steps of pouring a syringing liquid from a supply nozzle into a flask containing a reaction bead, withdrawing the syringing liquid with a suction nozzle to end the syringing of the beads and subsequently withdrawing the remaining syringing liquid in the flask with the suction nozzle on one side of the interior of the flask by blowing air from an air jet nozzle into the other side of the flask interior. An apparatus for syringing the reaction beads comprises a suction nozzle, a supply nozzle and an air jet nozzle or a supply/air jet nozzle provided such that they depend from a supply head and face the flask provided on a table below the supply head, free end portions of the suction nozzle and air jet nozzle being disposed on one side of the interior of the flask and on the other side of the interior of the flask, respectively.

Abstract: A pipette assembly for automatic pipetting machines including a pipette tip and a pipette tip holder having a mandrel and a seal. The mandrel includes a plug portion which is adapted to engage a top end portion of the pipette tip, and a cylindrical seat portion proximate its bottom end. The seal is a unitary, resilient member having a cylindrical base portion, an upwardly flaring skirt portion, and an opening receptive to the seat portion of the mandrel. An inner surface of the base portion of the seal is provided with a pair of sealing ribs, one of which serves as a pivot for the skirt portion.

Abstract: An automated sample preparation system for chemical assay of samples of materials. The sample preparation system includes a sample preparation chamber which includes a removable cup for taking solid or very viscous samples to the sample preparation system. The cup may be attached in sealing relationship to a cap through which extends various utilities such as a mixer/grinder to grind solid samples and mix non-homogenous samples, a fill pipe to pump in liquid samples, an effluent pipe in the sump of the cap to allow pumping of samples and solvents and a nozzle to allow liquids to be sprayed against the walls. A sample metering valve associated with the sample preparation chamber allows a know volume of sample to be isolated so that solvent may be pumped in to dilute the sample to a user defined concentration.

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 apparatus and method for serial dilution of liquid samples comprises a power-driven measuring valve having a rotatably mounted valve body provided with a single calibrated measuring passageway. During a dilution cycle the measuring passageway in different rotational positions of the valve body successively isolates a measured volume of a sample to be diluted and an equal volume of a first diluted solution of the sample which has been prepared by mixing the isolated undiluted volume of the sample with a measured volume of diluent. In a valve body position between said different rotational positions the measuring passageway is connected to form part of a rinsing flow system.

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 is disclosed for repeatedly and accurately depositing predetermined amounts of fluid, especially biological fluids, onto generally planar analysis slides. Fluid is aspirated into a disposable metering tip which is rapidly moved into a metering position where the fluid is expelled onto a slide. During movement of the tip into the metering position, a partial vacuum is created on the fluid in the tip, causing the fluid to be drawn up into the tip and thereby preventing fluid from being prematurely expelled onto the slide.

Abstract: An automatic chemical analyzer suitable for chemically analyzing a number of analysis items is disclosed. Samples in sample containers are sequentially dispensed to an array of reaction vessels using a first pipetting tube. Reagent solutions selected in accordance with the analysis items are fed to the reaction vessels using a second conductive pipetting tube. The reaction solutions in the reaction vessels are measured by a photometer. When the reagent solutions are sucked into the second pipetting tube, the liquid levels of the reagent solutions in the reagent containers are detected by a liquid level sensor formed by the second pipetting tube and a conductive electrode. The amounts of the reagent solutions remaining in the reagent containers are determined based on the position of the liquid level sensor and the numbers of times of dispense allowed to the reagent solutions with respect to the analysis items are displayed on a cathode ray tube.

Abstract: A mixing system and method for analyzing a specimen is provided which includes introducing a predetermined number of discrete jets of liquid reagent into a container carrying a specimen. The jets of reagent cause turbulent mixing of the reagent and specimen. The jets are time-spaced to allow settling of the mixture between jets to prevent the escape of the mixture from the container. After the reagent and specimen are thoroughly mixed, a characteristic of the mixture is then detected.