Abstract:
A rotary luminometer subsystem presents test vessels to a detection mechanism to be read as part of the automated immunoassay analyzer system. The rotary luminometer provides a read station separate from that of the transportation element of the luminometer. Within the read station, a housing and shield eliminates light leakage from the sample under test. In addition, the read station regulates the intensity of the light by providing an attenuation capability.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for monitoring the presence of an analyte in a closed vial wherein a sample contained within the closed vial is conveyed to an analyzer. The analyzer determines a value of a spectral property dependent on analyte concentration at a position within a headspace formed above the sample within the vial. An indicator is used to compare the measured value of the spectral property with a predetermined limit criteria to determine the presence or absence of the analyte. Vials wherein the presence of the analyte is detected are indicated as product vials whereas vials wherein the absence of the analyte is detected are indicated as rejected vials. The rejected vials are conveyed by a transferrer to a rejected vial station. A first portion of the product vials are conveyed by a sampler to a sample collection station. A second portion of the product vials are conveyed to a labeler.
Abstract:
A specimen-inspection preprocessing apparatus according to the present invention includes a desk-type housing and a plurality of specimen processing units arranged on the desk-type housing, and at least some of the plurality of specimen processing units each include a rotary conveying mechanism having a turntable.
Abstract:
An automatic immunoassay analyzer includes first and second conveyors which support a plurality of speciment vessels and reaction vessels, respectively. Both conveyors are rotated synchronously and continuously in the same direction by first and second conveyor driving devices. A division-pouring device sucks a speciment from a speciemen vessel stopped at a suction stage and pours a portion thereof into a reaction vessel stopped at a division-pouring stage. A holding device stops and holds one of the specimen vessels transferred into the suction stage for a predetermined time period in which the reaction vessel(s) holding measurement analytes to be tested for the respective specimen are transferred and stopped sequentially at the division-pouring stage. The analyzer reduces operator error, and ensures alignment of the reaction vessels with the appropriate specimen to be tested.
Abstract:
Apparatus for mixing the contents of one or more receptacles during the lateral transport thereof by a horizontal conveyor, characterized by the provision of means for oscillating each receptacle about a vertical axis normal to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor. Each receptacle is carried by an oscillatory unit having receptacle support means and ferromagnetic armature means arranged above and below the conveyor member, respectively, said support and armature means being connected by a vertical axle that extends through a journal opening contained in the conveyor. Rotary drive shaft means mounted beneath and parallel with the conveyor member carry permanent magnet means that cooperate with the armature to effect the desired oscillatory movment of the unit. To maintain the contents at a desired temperature, the conveyor member, the oscillatory unit and at least the lower portion of each receptacle are submerged within temperature-modifying liquid contained in a nonferrous trough beneath which the magnetic drive shaft means are arranged.
Abstract:
An apparatus for automatically transporting a plurality of liquid samples, such as blood through a series of programmed steps for colorimetric analysis of the samples. A first conveyor belt carries the samples to be analyzed, an adjacent belt carries working tubes in which the tests occur, and a third belt carries substances to be added to the samples during the tests. Needles and tubes are provided between the containers of substances on the three belts for piercing container walls and then transferring liquids between the containers.