Chemistry: physical processes – Physical processes – Crystallization
Patent
1976-08-19
1977-11-15
Serwin, R.E.
Chemistry: physical processes
Physical processes
Crystallization
23259, 364416, G01N 114, G01N 3316
Patent
active
040583678
ABSTRACT:
Apparatus for processing fluids such as blood or the like for ascertaining physical and/or chemical properties thereof. Samples to be processed are contained in disposable containers and moved to different zones where various functions are performed such as adding reagent, incubating, testing, reading out data and discarding the container. The movement of the containers is afforded by a carriage moving on a guideway and having reciprocating embodiment, the containers each carry indicia means identifying the sample and including a test code prescribing a particular test procedure which is to be followed by the apparatus. In another embodiment it is intended that identification of the patient's sample will be initially made on the container which initially receives the sample and thereafter as portions are dispensed from said container for use in processes this identity will be accomplished by suitable computer means. The apparatus includes programming and control means in the form of computer circuitry including memory storage. The instructions on test procedure are stored in the memory along with information on the location of the carriage along the guideway at all times, the location of sample containers along the guideway and the amount of time that any sample container has been delayed. The enabling signals for operation of the apparatus may be produced by the programming and control means which is arranged to provide for time sharing.
Typically, if, during the processing of a sample in a container the delay time is sufficient to start or complete another sample test, the carriage is operated to pick up another container from the supply means and start processing it, or complete the processing of a container and sample which had previously been started. The program and control means, through its memory, adjust the operations of the carriage so that it is performing some function at practically all times thereby using the apparatus most efficiently as to time.
The operation of the apparatus is asynchronous in that there is no continuous predetermined movement of any elements without regard to the individual requirements of the test procedures and there is no continuous cycling of any components. Movements and functions are performed only as needed and only for the times needed.
The apparatus may include multiple reagent adding positions in the reagent adding zone; multiple incubating positions with different available times and temperatures in the storage zone; multiple individual testing apparatus available at the testing zone; a combined readout and disposal means for the containers and their identification cards or a combined readout and card-removal means with separate container disposal means.
Conveniently there may be two carriages on the same guideway responding in cooperation to perform the needed functions of the processing, overlapping in travel extent, but both controlled so that there is no interference between them.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3476515 (1969-11-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 3497320 (1970-02-01), Blackburn et al.
patent: 3597161 (1971-08-01), Greiner
patent: 3660638 (1972-05-01), Oberli
patent: 3728080 (1973-04-01), Moran
patent: 3770382 (1973-04-01), Carter et al.
patent: 3799744 (1974-03-01), Jones
Gilford Instrument Laboratories Inc.
Serwin R.E.
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