US3770382A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic clinical analyzer
Assignee: EIDP Inc
•
Filing: 1971-07-15
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Granted: 1973-11-06
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Expires: 1991-07-15
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for automatically performing analytic procedural steps on a fluid contained in a disposable deformable test pack. The apparatus consists of a means for filling the test pack with ample fluid, a means for controlling the environment of the test pack, a means for initiating reactions within the test pack, a means for analyzing the fluid in the test pack, and a transport means designed to hold the test pack and to transport it between the various operating stations. Associated circuitry combining method switching and control logic make the operation of the instrument fully automatic.
Inventors
- 👤 E Carter
- 👤 D Johnson
- 👤 G Nieuweboer
- 👤 Erlane J Mc
- 👤 R Nadeau
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:51
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/02; G01N35/026; G01N35/10; G01N35/1079
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is divided into a plurality of stations, each containing an element of the apparatus; and wherein said apparatus further comprises means to transfer the test packs from said filling means to said analysis means including an endless carrying belt having at least one pack carrying fixture for receiving and supporting test packs attached thereto, an indexing motor for advancing said carrying belt to move the test packs from one station to another, means for removing said test pack from said carrying fixture after they have been processed by said analysis means, and means for accumulating the test packs that have been removed from said carrying fixtures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising an environmental control means including a controlled temperature chamber, containing the stations located after said filling means, and at least one preheating means, disposed between said filling means and said reagent addition means, for adjusting the temperatures of the test packs from their initial temperatures to the final operating temperature of the apparatus, said preheating means comprising variable temperature jaws for enclosing the reaction chamber of the test pack and for transferring heat between said jaws and the reaction chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said carrying means comprises a presentation track, an input tray for storing a plurality of sample containers and the test packs associated therewith and for feeding said sample containers and test packs to said presentation track, means for positioning the sample containers at a first position on said presentation track and the test packs at a second position on said presentation track, where said filling means can transfer sample liquid to said test pAck; and a sample return chute for receiving expended sample containers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said input tray comprises means to feed each of the test packs following a particular sample container in said input tray to the second position on said presentation track, without disturbing the location of said sample container at the first position on said presentation track, whereby a plurality of test packs can be filled from one sample container.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said filling means comprises: a pump for transferring sample fluid from the sample container to the test pack; an intake-output valve; a transfer probe connected to said pump through said intake-output valve; means for inserting said probe, in turn, into the sample container and the test pack; at least one secondary valve; and at least one source of secondary fluid connected directly to said pump through one of said secondary valves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said record member is an ultraviolet radiation sensitive record member, the patient identification data being contained on a card transparent to ultraviolet radiation, attached to each sample container; and wherein said means for transferring patient identification data from the sample container to the record member is an ultraviolet radiation exposure system for exposing said record member to ultraviolet radiation through said card.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-05 | 1977-05-07 | 1977-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-05 | 1981-05-07 | 1981-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-05 | 1985-05-07 | 1985-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |