Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology – Apparatus – Bioreactor
Patent
1987-10-29
1990-06-05
Jones, Larry
Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology
Apparatus
Bioreactor
435292, 356244, 422 63, C12M 134
Patent
active
049314025
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to a photometric analyzer which serves to determine the end point of chemical reactions, for example of enzyme immune tests (EIA, enzyme immunoassay, or ELISA, enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The previously known photometric analyzers are complicated in the way they perform the analysis, susceptible to error because of the lack of complete automation of the system, and not multifaceted because the individual analysis steps are inflexibly connected to each other.
DE-A1-3500639, for example, describes a photometric analyzer which has a fixed sample release device, a separate reagent release device that is also fixed, a number of photometers that operate parallel to the horizontal plane, a computer which calculates only the photometric values as well as a separate control device for the various mechanical motion and release devices.
This known apparatus is difficult to operate and cannot be adapted to changing analysis procedures and requirements. The lack of computerized monitoring of the entire system and the many separate operating components increase the susceptibility of this equipment to make errors and to break down.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a remedy for some of these shortcomings. The invention, as is characterized in the claims, provides a photometric analyzer which allows for absolutely controlled analysis processing from the preparation of the samples to the assessment of the results of the photometric measurements and which guarantees the highest degrees of reliability and flexibility as a result of its simple design and an optimal connection of the different components.
The advantages achieved by the invention can essentially be seen in the fact that the analysis equipment is compact and multifaceted and can operate practically error-free because it is virtually fully automatic and because of the controls of the movement processes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The drawing shows a perspective schematic view of an analyzer apparatus in accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The analysis equipment presented by the invention and its method of operation is described below in detail with the aid of some examples. The samples selected for analysis, for example the reagents required for an enzyme immune test (EIA or ELISA), and the test fluids to be examined are situated on a primary rack 1 in positions assigned according to the computer program. The primary rack 1 is placed at the designated position of the analysis equipment and the computerized automatic machinery is set into operation. The analyzer then removes the amounts of test fluids and reagents necessary for analysis by means of the single channel pipette 11 supported on the sample distribution arm 5 and thereby conveys these materials to the microtitration plate 4 located on the designated point of the work table 3.
The microtitration plate 4 that has been prepared in such a fashion is then moved into the incubator 10, located on the work table 3, which can be moved in any desired x or y direction in the horizontal plane. The role of the incubator 10 is to store the liquids located on the microtitration plate 4 at an increased temperature (25.degree.-37.degree. C.) in order, for example, to coat the microtitration plate 4 with antigens or antibodies. Because the incubation period typically is between 30 and 120 minutes, a lift 13 is provided in the incubator which allows for the vertical storage of up to six microtitration plates 4. Following successful incubation, the microtitration plate 4 is again removed from the incubator 10 and returned to its original position on the work table 3 and is rinsed by means of the four-way peristaltic pump having the multiple head 12 (double four-way head whose eight nozzles have one tube each to the peristaltic pump). The rinsing fluid drains into the rinse trough 9. The coating with antigens or antibodies that remains on the microtitration plate 4 is displaced by means of the four-
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Farley Walter C.
Jones Larry
Tecan AG Analytische Instrumente
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