Automatic chemical testing apparatus

on behalf of JOHN JO3EPH MORAN eatidadx / of US nationality · domiciled at 10907 Walwick Drive, Houston, Texas, United States of America!

put a CHEMICAL TESTING DEVICE (International Class GOln B011) lO

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presente The present invention relates to refinements in an automated chemical testing apparatus, which gives an automation of routine procedures in; Chemistry to give them greater uniformity, greater efficiency, precision and all this with a lower unit cost than can be obtained with manual operation, while giving a discretionary selectivity of the tests to be performed on each sample. The present apparatus can in general automate most of the laboratory tests.

; which can be done in a single reaction tube_;or test, by automatic and selective collection of i

The test samples and distribution of the appropriate quantities to the programmed test tube, application of the necessary reagents in the appropriate position, heating of the desired tubes at the appropriate temperatures, optical analysis of the results of the chemical tests, and washing and drying of the tubes in preparation for the following tests.

Summary of the invention the present invention tends to various improvements in an automated chemical testing apparatus,

I in which a conveyor is arranged to carry and return I; cyclically see a plurality of rows of test tubes,

I from one position to another and in which a control panel or program control is arranged to select the totality, quality or any combination of various tests with each sample, tests that are automatically executed, such as :

The results are automatically recorded and returned.

¡The components for continuous work. i

Item :

i One of the improvements of the present apara5 ij

I

J¡¿ ·, mu «i» Jt to consists of a closed-loop or closed-loop conveyor that includes a plurality of essentially rigid slats placed transversely, and each clamp includes openings to firmly support, a row of test tubes' by a intermediate part between its ends from the conveyor, so that the open mouths or ends of the tubes extend upwards above the high part or upper section of the conveyor and the lower closed ends of the tubes extend below

the upper part of the loop, whereby chemical tests can be carried out on the reaction tubes of the upper part of the loop as they are oriented to do;

move from one to another of the various positions, then the tubes are inverted and emptied of their contents to maturity! quo the conveyor is rotated, so that the tubes; They will be turned upside down for cleaning.

Another object of the present invention resides in a tube heating means, located inside the loop and movable upwards to heat the bottom of at least some of said tubes placed on the upper part of the loop, and movable downwards to let the conveyor rotate; and means for drying tubes to dry the tubes and movable in the sense of moving away from them to allow the conveyor to rotate; ί

as well as a mechanical articulated link system that automatically synchronizes the orientation movement or advances

I ce of the conveyor with the rise and fall of the means of heating pipes and with the retraction and exit of the i

tube drying means; and that also include means that are applied to the conveyor to allow it to carry out its

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forward movement only at a preset distance; and retention or block means in cooperation with the conveyor, to block it in position between forward movements.

Another object of the present invention resides in improved means for distributing samples to the tubes, means including a rotating sample table that holds the test samples, a collection and distribution conduit connected to a water filled pipe with a set of cylinder and piston connected to the pipe to suction a sample from the sample table and i

Supply or distribute portions of the sample to the programmed tubes, with a threaded screw that activates the assembly to accurately control the quantity of sample collected or distributed, said means also including a piston and air separation cylinder to create interfacial screens of air separation in the pipeline in order to reduce any effect of dilution or contamination of the distributed samples; and that they also include cleaning means for passing a purge means through the 1 'conduit and the pipe in order to reduce the possibility of j: contamination in test samples.

í ».

Another feature of the present invention resides:

is! in the provision of calibrated means to inject reac- t!

Jrati in the test tubes, means that include a cylinder 9 and droves placed between two check valves (nirectional) which in turn include some valves

Ground or ground grinding glass to give a positive, inert seal with the reagents; and in which the outlet pipes of the distri 4 means

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busion directs the reagents at an angle to that of the test tubes to create a convenient mixing action between the reagent and the contents of the tubes; and in which there are drive means connected with clearance to the piston in a transverse direction, to avoid misalignment of the piston in the cylinder.

A further object of the present invention resides in optical reading means, in which there are a plurality of cuvettes provided with elongated passages, which can be lowered to the test tubes to aspirate the contents thereof and take it inside. of the cuvettes; 'and in which the optical reading sequentially explores the cuvettes and the test results are recorded ¡í

adequately; and in which the aspiration is provided by a cylinder and plunger so that the cuvettes are drained after the analyzes and are also cleaned by a sudden irruption of air leaving a factor; surface of waste very low and reduces the drag or 'accumulation of waste to negligible chemical levels :, providing a sinuous passage in the bucket to prevent;

that the samples come out of the cuvettes by aspiration. ;

Another feature of the invention resides in the pre-vision of an optical reading system in which a phosphate glass lens is used to reduce the admissibility of heat from the light source preventing it;

adversely affect the reading results, and if there is a filter placed between the cuvette and the light measuring device in order to separate the filter from the light source and reduce the adverse effect of heat on the filter_or

Another feature of the present invention reI

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AIDS in the forecast of a calculator-based programming control system, to give discretionary and selective control of the tests to be carried out on each • sample, a system that includes a control panel and programmed selection that has an activation switch by each tube to selectively program the chemical tests to be performed with each sample; and in which the calculator includes a first contact box electrically connected to the control panel and a second contact box with forward movement or orientation with respect to the first contact box in synchronism with the conveyor, electrically connected and controlling the means sample distribution, to the reagent injection means and to the reading means as the second frame is advanced with respect to the first and the activation switches of the first frame are electrically connected to the second frame; and which also includes a reagent selection chart provided with a plurality of position receptacles corresponding to each possible position for injecting reagents into the tubes and electrical connections to selectively connect each of the position receptacles to the Injection Means of Reagents desired.

Brief description of the attached drawings i - Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a preferred apparatus of the present invention; í - figure 2 is a front elevation in skeleton í

of the apparatus of fig. one;

- Figure 3 is a back elevation in skeleton

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of the apparatus of fig. one;

- Figure 4 is an elevational view of an example of a plurality of reaction or test tubes, and illustrates the positions corresponding to the sample insertion station, the reaction stations, the heating stations and the reading stations, indicating the possible types of tests that can be executed;

- Figure 5 is a schematic elevation of the conveyor of the present apparatus carrying the test tubes, and also indicates possible washing and drying stations for tubes;

- Figure 6 is an electrical diagram illustrating the power supply to the various components of the apparatus;

- Figure 6A is a view of the circuit breaker box;

- Figure 7 is a fragmentary elevation view, partially in section, illustrating the component elements for collecting and distributing samples, of the present invention;

- Figure 8 is a view taken along the line

8-8 of fig. 7;

- Figure 9 is a view taken along the line

9-9 of fig. 7 »

- figure 10 is a view on line 10-10 of fig. 9;

- figure 11 is a view on line 11-11 of fig. 9;

- Figure 12 is a schematic perspective illustrating the operation of the carriage and the re7 arm

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catch dol same, represented in a distribution position;

- figure 13 is a view similar to fig.

12, and illustrates the carriage and its arm in a sample collection position;

- Figure 14 is a schematic and perspective view partially in straight section, illustrating the hydraulic distribution and sample collection assembly;

- figure 15 is a view on line 15-15 of fig. 14;

'- Figure 16 is a schematic view illustrating the operation and control of the collection and distribution assembly of the present apparatus;

- Figure 17 is a fragmentary elevation of the endless conveyor assembly that supports and transports the test tubes;

- figure 18 is a view on line 18-18 of fig. 17;

- figure 19 is a view on line 19-19 of fig. 17;

; - figure 20 is a view on line 20-20 of fig. 19;

- Figure 21 is a perspective of the articulated activation system that activates the endless conveyor, the heating baths and the tube drying means of the present apparatus;

- Figure 22 is an elevation view, partially in straight section, of the articulated activation system used to orient the conveyor, raise and lower the heating baths and remove and retract the tube drying means, the elements of which are visible. Arti link

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culated in their primary and second positions;

- figure 23 is a view similar to fig. 22, which represents the articulated link elements in their. fourth and fifth positions;

- Figure 24 is an elevational, fragmentary and enlarged view, with parts in straight section, illustrating the operation of the advance or orientation nail that is applied to the conveyor sprocket, in its first and second positions;

- figure 25 is a view similar to fig.

24, which illustrates the position of the advancing nail in its third, fifth and sixth positions;

- figure 26 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective, with parts in section, of the advancing nail of figs. 24 and 25;

- Figure 27 is an enlarged elevational view of a part of the conveyor, illustrating construction details;

- Figure 28 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective illustrating a method of fixing the test tubes to the conveyor slats;

- Figure 29 is a fragmentary straight section view of the conveyor of the present apparatus, illustrating the position of the heating baths with respect to the test tubes;

- figure 30 is a view on line 30-30 of fig. 29;

- Figure 31 is a schematic view of the water supply connections to the water heating baths;

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ID

- Figure 32 is an enlarged elevational view, in straight section, of a part of the conveyor, which represents the tube and clamp washing assemblies;

- Figure 33 is a perspective view of the electrical tube heating assembly of the apparatus;

- Figure 34 is a schematic view of the control system of the final wash assembly;

- Figure 35 is a fragmentary and enlarged elevational view, with parts in straight section, schematically illustrating the connections of the distributor assembly 'of reagents;

- Figure 36 is an enlarged elevation view, in straight section, illustrating the bottom of one of the reagent dosing assemblies;

- Figure 37 is an enlarged elevational view, in straight section, of the upper part of the dispensing and dispensing assembly of reagents of figs. 36;

- Figure 38 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective of the connection of the supports for the outlet pipe of the reagent distributor assembly, in a position located above the reagent tubes;

- Figure 33 is a fragmentary and wide view in elevation, in straight section, illustrating the position of | the outlet pipe of a reagent distributor assembly, relative to a test tube;

- Figure 40 is an enlarged elevation view; of the reading set;

!

i - Figure 41 is a view on line 41-41!

i of fig. 40;

- Figure 42 is a view on line 42-42

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of fig. 40;

- figure 43 is a view on line 43-43 of fig. 42, in the position of aspirating the contents of the tubes and passing it to the cuvettes;

- Figure 44 is a fragmentary and enlarged elevation, in straight section, of the cylinder and piston assembly for filling and expelling the reading cuvettes from the test tubes;

- figure 45 is a view similar to fig.

43, and illustrates the movement of the cylinder with respect to the plunger to empty the cuvettes;

- figure 46 is a view similar to fig.

44, and illustrates the relationship of the cylinder and the drain port with respect to the plunger, to empty the cuvettes;

- figure 47 is a view on line 47-47 of fig. 40;

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of fig. 47;

- Figure 52 is an exploded perspective view of the covers covering the exciter lamp in the photocell reading block assembly;

- Figure 53 is an electrical and mechanical scheme of the reading system;

- Figure 54 is a mechanical and electrical scheme11

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co of the mechanical operation of the test set;

- Figure 55 is a mechanical and electrical scheme of the optical reading system of the present apparatus;

. - Figure 56 is a fragmentary and enlarged elevation, with parts in a recessed section, illustrating the bidirectional clutch assembly used in the present apparatus;

- Figure 57 of fig. 56;

- Figure 5θ of fig. 56;

- Figure 59 of fig. 58;

is a view on line 57-57 is a view on line 58-58 is a view on line 59-59

- Figure 60 is a fragmentary view of the control panel of the program of the present apparatus;

- Figure 61 is a fragmentary and broad view of the control panel by program, illustrating the activation switches and indicator lamps;

- figure 62 is a section on line 62-62 of fig. 61;

- Figure 63 is an electrical schematic diagram of the control system of the present invention;

- Figure 64 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective, with parts in section, illustrating the structure (

mechanics of the calculator of the present apparatus;

- Figure 65 is a straight sectional view of the mobile and fixed tables of the calculator of the present invention, and illustrates how to move forward with respect to each other;

i

- Figure 66 is a straight section view

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enlarged, taken along line 66-66 of fig. 65; Y

- Figure 67 is an electrical diagram of the synchronism circuit of the present apparatus.

Description of preferred embodiments

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to figs. one at 5 inclusive, the automatic chemical test apparatus, or discretionary sequence multiple analysis apparatus, of the present invention is generally indicated by number 20; which includes in general: (1) a loop or endless belt conveyor 22 carrying a plurality of rows of open open containers, or test tubes 24, in which the various longitudinal rows separated 26 indicate different chemical paths that can be executed, while each separate transverse row 28 is provided to receive a single individual sample in which the various tests can be carried out as the conveyor 22 advances or steers successively, carrying the test tubes 24 and passing them through different positions in which various stages of the chemical test are executed; (2) a distributor set 30 of samples, which may include a rotary advance table 32 to hold the test specimens, and a collection and distributor apparatus 34 to collect from the advance table 32 the amount of sample needed and to supply or distribute each sample in a single transverse row 28 of tubes 24, sn the necessary quantities and for the programmed tests;

(3) a reagent dispenser assembly 36, which may include a plurality of reagent containers 38,

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^¡connected to dispensing units 40 dosed, which in turn are connected to outputs placed on. ma of the test tubes 24 in the current position or position of the conveyor 22, to distribute reagents in the appropriate sequence and in the appropriate position, in the tests being carried out; (4) suitable heating means 42, located to heat the test tubes 24 in the convenient positions as the tubes 24 are advanced along the conveyor 22 according to the needs of the chemical tests being carried out; (5) a reading or test set 44 to analyze the results of the chemical tests being executed; (6) cleaning means for cleaning the tubes 24 after the completion of the tests in a particular transverse row 28; (7) tube drying means, to dry the tubes in preparation for their new use and return to the test cycle; and (8) suitable control means to selectively control the successive multiple analysis and synchronization of the aforementioned components.

As an example, the apparatus 20 will be described in its application to a multiple number of tests to be carried out i

^: in blood serum, even though, of course, the present apparatus can be used for a variety of successive and discretionary multiple chemical analyzes that can be run in a single reaction or test tube. For: example only, and with reference to figs. 4 and 5, there is a plurality of ten longitudinal rows 26 of se^; sits tubes 24 each, supported and oriented with forward movement by means of the conveyor 22. As ^: a sample will be written in more detail later

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It will be distributed between one or more of the ten tubes of one ¡ί

single transverse row 28, and as the row advances! Transversal 28 will be placed in the various positions or positions of reaction or test where the convenient chemical operations are executed for the different tests executed in the individual longitudinal rows i 26, operations such as heating, mixing and adding reagents to carry out the desired chemical analysis; as it relates, for illustrative purposes only, in fig. 4 and in relation to the individual longitudinal rows 26, after which the horizontal rows will reach the reading post, which will analyze and record the measured values. After reading, as best seen in fig. 5, the tubes 24 are inverted, they are emptied j of their contents and they are passed through one or more washing stations and at least one drying station, from where they are returned again to the sample introduction station, ¡

For a new cycle. ¡¡

With reference now to figs. 7 to 16, the set along with 30 sample dispenser includes a collection and distribution apparatus 34 which performs the function of moving towards the rotary advance table 32 and collecting a sample!

It is to be tested by transferring it to one of the transverse rows 28 of test tubes 24 and injecting a measured amount of the sample into each of the tubes 24 of said ί row, according to the test schedule. The rotating table i

orientation or advance 32 is best seen in figs. 7, 8, ii

and 16, and includes a plurality of test tube containers 46 that can be introduced into a plurality of openings 48 uniformly distributed in a circle by the feed table 32. A sleeve can be placed under the feed table 32

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water cooling jacket 58 (figs. 7, 8 and 9) with an inlet 52 and an outlet 54 to give a temperature controlled environment for the samples contained in the containers 46, so that they are not adversely affected by temperature and in particular by heat ΐ

¡Generated by the components of the apparatus 20. A motor 56: for advancing the rotary table moves the table 32 by means of a speed reducer 5θ at periodic intervals, to advance the sample containers 46 individually by increments up to a collection position, in response to a control system that will be described with

J more detail later.

¡The collection and distribution apparatus 34 includes a collection and distribution duct, such as a needle * 62, transported by a carriage 64 which in turn can move— ^! Be and be supported on a carriage arm 66, which in turn! 1 is supported by turning movement around one of its ends (figs. 7, 8, 9 »10, 13 and 16), so that the collection or distribution duct 62 can be carried by above the sample container 46 in the t

feed rate 32 to the collection position, as best seen in fig. 7, broken line silhouette, to collect a sample to be tested; after which the arm 66 of the carriage is returned to the position represented with line ': baby in fig. 7, above a transverse row 281 ble tubes 24, to inject into individual tubes 24 ¡í

portions of the sample in which the programmed tests have to be carried out.

¡'As can be seen in the best way in figs. 7,&gt;

^ 9, 12, 13 and 16, there is a pneumatic plunger assembly and ci— i

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cylinder 68 connected to an arm 70, which is instead connected to the arm 66 of the carriage to rotate the arm 66 and therefore carry the carriage 64 outwardly above the rotary feed table 32; and after collecting a sample, retract the arm 66 again to a position on a transverse row 28 of test tubes 24. The air supply for the activation and retraction of the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 68, and therefore of the arm 66 of the carriage, is carried out by means of an air passage valve 7l (Fig. 16).

I

The longitudinal movement of the carriage 64 along the arm 66 is best seen in figs. 12, 13 and 16, í¡

in which a carriage 72 moves a pulley 74 by means of an inverter clutch 76 which in turn extends (makes! exit), retracts and controls the position of the carriage 64 along the arm 66 by means of a control cable 78 that passes around crazy pulleys 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88 and goes;

I fixed to block 90 of carriage 64, whereby the position of carriage 64 along arm 66 can be controlled; by connecting, disconnecting and reversing the clutch ¡76 «.

An overall view of the collection and distribution apparatus 43 is best seen in fig. 14, where it is seen that the apparatus includes a cup 81, 85 of waste and washing (figs. 9, 11, 7, 14 and 16), which has an outlet 83 for [

discard the excess of sample fluid, having a wash layer 85 provided with a water inlet 87 or other

washing or cleaning means, which overflows from the wash cup 85 passing to the waste 81 and leaving the exit 83. As can be best seen from figs. 7 and 9,

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: The waste cup 81 and wash 85 is located in line ¡with a transverse row 28 of tubes, at the interim end of the arm 66. As in accordance with the programmed tests, a single sample of the feed table 32 will be taken to distribute it in the tubes 24- of a single transverse row, after which the sample surplus 32 will be; It is necessary to take a new sample from table 32 to distribute it in a transverse row 28 of different tubes, it is important that there is no contamination or unwanted mixing of one sample with another, and it is also

It is convenient that the distribution of a single sample through the various tubes of a transverse row be made under the same conditions, to avoid variations in the samples distributed in the different tubes, such as those that could

occur, by dilution. Thus, it is preferred, as 3e of the i

Best mode in fig. 10, enable a pipe 89 connected to the collection or distribution duct or needle 62 which. Be part of the 34 yf collection and distribution apparatus

it generally consists of a closed water system, such as_:m or he composed of water 91, followed by an interfacial or separation air zone 92, a second interfacial zone 94 comprising a part of the sample to be tested, i

Second interfacial air zone 96, followed by an aliquot of additional sample, and then the main sample 98 to be distributed or supplied. A mere c

For example, assuming that each of the tests to be carried out requires a sample quantity of 0.1 cc, sample 94 may be 0.1 cc and the main sample 98 may have a

The volume equal to the number of tests to be programmed multiplied by 0.1 cc, plus an additional amount of 0.2 cc. So,

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while the interfacial air zones 92 and 96 perform the function of preventing the mixing between the water 91 and the main sample 98, the additional sample 94 and the additional aliquot part of the sample collected from the advance table;

ce 32 before distributing the samples in the tubes 24 will wash the inside of the pipe 89 with the same type of material to be supplied or distributed, thereby reducing to t

I gives tendency of the previously washed tube 89 to be produced, i i

for example, a dilution effect in the main sample 10 pal 98. ¡

I

To have the desired sample collection a; test and distribute in the tubes 24 »the collection and distribution apparatus 34, as best seen in FIG. 14, includes a cylinder and piston assembly 100 for collecting and distributing samples, a piston and cylinder assembly 102 Water wash, a set 104 piston and cylinder!

for raising and lowering needles, and a plunger assembly 106 and ci · ¡

air cylinder, to create interfacial air zones in the pipe 89.

As illustrated in fig. 14, the needle 62 is:

in the low position, to which it has been carried by the piston and cylinder assembly 104. When the needle 62 is low, the plunger and wash cylinder assembly 102 with chi

water is activated from one side to another by means of the washing engine 108 and through a rotating arm 110, for suction¹Water is put into needle 62 and pipe 89 and! expelling it from them in order to clean the pipe 89 and the

I needle 62 as water passes through the water inlet 87 to the wash cup 85 and out the drain 83. Then!

the needle 62 and the pipe 89 stop the engine j

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and ci— wash 108, the plunger assembly 104 is activated!

The needle raising valve 62, and the collection and distribution apparatus 34 is then arranged to move to the collection position of specimens or samples, above the feed table 32. Upon reaching the collection position (figs. 7 and 13), the piston and cylinder assembly 104 is activated to make the needle lower, dragging with it

The piston 107 in the cylinder 106 and producing the aspiration of an interfacial air zone 92 (figure 10) in the pipe 89 and into the sample container 46 which has ^!isido brought to the collection position by the table 32. The assembly 100 sucks a sample 94 into the pipe 89 by rotating a spindle 116, by means of the motor 112, which moves the cylinder 118 with respect to the plunger i

117. The piston and cylinder assembly 104 is returned here! 1 ¡fcivar to raise the needle 62. The assembly 100 and the assembly 104 are activated to lower the needle 62 and aspirate another interfacial part of air 96 into the pipe 89.

j

The suction and distribution motor 112, which operates through the inverter clutch 114, rotates the spindle 116, and therefore moves the cylinder 118 of the plunger and suction and distribution cylinder assembly 100, sucking í

the programmed quantity of test specimen or test sample 98 inside the needle 62 and the pipe 89. When the programmed sample quantity is collected, taking it from a; sample vessel 46, the engine 112 stops, the piston and cylinder assembly 104 is activated by raising the needle 62, the gear of the engine 112 is reversed and, therefore, í

that of the spindle 116, retracting the cylinder 118 to return a segment of the sample 98 to the cup or vessel of il

<img file="ES358683A1_D0019.tif" />

sample 46 to be sure that the rate of distribution of the sample in the tubes 24 will be the same in all of them. The arm 66 of the carriage is retracted above the transverse row 28 of test tubes 24, and the control system puts the carriage 64 into action until the needle 62 is placed on top of the first test tube 24 that has been programmed to perform essay. The inverter clutch 114 is put into action and a measured amount of sample is supplied to the reaction tube 24. The inverter clutch 114 is deactivated, and the carriage 64 moves in-i then passing to the next tube 24 of the transverse row - i salt, programmed to perform a test; the inverter clutch 114 is reactivated and that measured sample quantity is supplied to that test tube 24. The prcce- ¡i

The distribution of measured quantities of sample fluid in each of the test tubes 24 of a transverse row is continued until all the programmed test tubes have received their sample. Once the last scheduled test has received your sample, the car moves to the waste cup 81, to which you supply^:After the additional sample aliquot, the needle 62 is lowered and the wash cycle is executed again.

With reference now to fig. 16, illustrated in. especially the sequence of operation and control of the collection and distribution apparatus 34. From the control system, which will be studied later with!

In greater detail, the information relating to the tests to be carried out is received in a sample selection control 115 and, consequently, relative to which longitudinal rows 26 of tubes 24 the sample to be tested will be distributed. To the

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'. receive signals from the sample selection control 115, the air valve 71 is activated, which, in turn, sets ΐ _z , iaction the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 68 to rotate the arm 66 of the carriage towards the sample table '32, sending at the same time a signal to the control 119 of the carriage and to the aspiration time regulator 121 and activating the engine 72 of the car by means of its clutch 76 and pulley 74 until the carriage 64 is moved towards the sample table 32. The clutch 76 of the carriage engine is inverted, and it stops above the pickup position of the table 32, activating the air valve 120 which in turn activates the plunger and cylinder assembly 104 to lower the water. ja into the sample container 46 of the table 32. After having obtained the interfacial air part 92, the sample 94 and the interfacial air part 96, the suction and distribution motor 112 is activated and re- ^:Take the amount of sample scheduled; it is reversed then- '_:or is the engine 112 of the distributor, and the air valve 120 is deactivated, allowing the cylinder assembly 104 to raise the needle 62. A segment is returned or distributed again to the cup or test tube container, and «Returns the arm 66 above the test tubes 24. The suction time regulator 21 sets the sea-¡

I pha a timing regulator 122 of distribution, when the; The mud 64 stops on a test tube 24 programmed. The distribution clutch 114 is activated and a measured sample is supplied to the appropriate tube 24. It 'f'

|) one in action the clutch 76 of the carriage, and the carriage 64 is ¡• ¡¡¡¡nine going to the next test tube of the program, ali tj¡ that supplies another sample. This distribution process ίο

<img file="ES358683A1_D0021.tif" />

Continue until all programmed test tubes have received your sample. Next, the car 64 goes to the waste and wash cup 81. At this time the wash control 108 is started, and the needle 62, and the pipe 89 are washed and filled with clean water, in preparation for the next cycle. ¡¡

With reference now to figs. 17 to 28 inclusive, the cone shape is best illustrated in them;

The work, operation and operation of a preferred form of the endless loop or belt conveyor 22. Preferably, the conveyor 22 comprises a plurality ¡of individual rigid slats 123, each of which holds a transverse stack 28 of tubes of test! 24, with the slats 123 fixed at each end a! a chain 124 by means of screws 126 (fig. 27), and the chains in turn supported by sprockets 128, S 130, 132 and 134 supported on short shafts or stumps 136 and 138, respectively. Rigid slats 123 are advantageous because, although they allow the conveyor to rotate around the wheels, they firmly hold the tubes in fixed positions.

With reference now to fig. 28, the method of accurately introducing and aligning the tubes 24 in the individual slats 123 before!

I connect the latter to the chains 124. The boards ¡123 have a plurality of openings 140 of the size t

appropriate to receive the tubes 24, and are placed so-! with a support 142 having a base 144, being introduced! the tubes 24 in the holes 140. There are some holes 146!

practiced on tablets 123 and extending to '

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the openings 140. In the holes 146 a retaining pin 148 is inserted, applied against an elastic protector 150 that protects the tubes 24 against breakage when the pin 148 is fixed. Thus, the tubes 24 are all held in positions. vertical vertically with respect to the slats 123 and are firmly attached so that they do not run or slide then with respect to the slats 123 or misaligned.

The conveyor 22 moves, guides or advances periodically by a predetermined distance, such as that corresponding to a transverse row of tubes, bringing the tubes 24 from one position or position to the next so that the appropriate chemical tests or operations can be performed with the samples scheduled and in the appropriate position, moment and sequence. Therefore, 3e pre¹ 't

I see adequate means to periodically advance the conveyor 22 by a predetermined distance. Now, as some of the other functions to be performed in the tubes 24 requires close cooperation with the tubes, these functions may require synchronization with the movement of the conveyor 22. For example, during the process of;

chemical tests being carried out on the tubes 24 i

heat may be needed, and the preferred embodiment ί ί provides heating means 42 that can be used; ΐ?

ΐeluir one or more bathrooms or heating elements, for sa; tizz 'satisfy the heating requirements of the chemical analysis. In addition, suitable drying means 152 are provided, which may include a plurality of individual electric heaters 154 connected to the mount 186 of drying heaters for introduction into the tubes 24, · i

fl5

<img file="ES358683A1_D0023.tif" />

to dry them after washing. As these components, during operation, cooperate with the tubes 24 in such a way as to prevent the forward movement or orientation of the conveyor 22, these component elements are synchronized with the movement of the conveyor 22 to be able to move the tubes 24 and take them from a post. to another.

Thus, with reference to figs. 19 to 26 iuclusi-¹see, a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly i 156 is provided to supply the driving force pa-! re retract heating means 42 and means of!

drying 152 of the pipes, advance the conveyor 22I j

to a certain extent and re-extend or remove the heating means 42 and the drying means 152 of the pipes to their functional position. With reference to the i figs. 20 to 23 inclusive, a structure 153 of '

I

I replacement of a heating bath, a structure that generally includes support 160, 162, 164, and 166 connected to each other by means of connecting rods or articulation elements 168, 170 and 172 and supported by axes 174 and 176.

To connecting rods 182 and 184 are connected respectively other connecting rods 178, 180 activating the drying means, and those in turn are connected to the mount! 186 of the drying heater. The connecting rods 178 and 180 are connected by means of pins 175 to the connecting rod 177 which extends and retracts the mount 186 from the drying heater. The connecting rod 177 is connected with a lost movement, by means of the pin 179, to the activating lever 204, and actuated by it. I!

There is a top lobe or protrusion 188 connected 'l

to an arm 190 which is in turn connected to axis 176, of ¡f

<img file="ES358683A1_D0024.tif" />

! so that the stop 188 can release the chain drive sprocket i 132, allowing movement ¡of the conveyor 22, and can be reapplied to the chain sprocket 132 to keep the conveyor 22 locked in position after have advanced the conveyor.

There is also a drive pin 192 co, connected to the pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly 156 to transmit the energy it receives from said assembly 156.

An arm 194 provides qaoyo for the pin 192. There is a drive lever 196 connected to the shaft 136 that connects the serrated sprockets 128 and 130 providing the moving or forward movement of the conveyor 22 when the lever 196 moves levogyrally (to the left ). There was also a lost movement arm 198 connected between the drive pin 192 and the drive lever&gt; 196, which includes a notch 200 which, when retracted, [

; apply to a pin 202 of lever 196, so that!

In the driving stroke, the lever 196 turns counterclockwise and thus advances the conveyor 22. Now, before the conveyor 22 can be advanced, in the preferred embodiment, it is necessary to retract the baths! of heating and the mount 186 of the drying heater, | removing them from the tubes 24 so as not to hinder their movement. There is also a lever 204 of lost movement, provided with a slot 206 of lost movement, connected to the;

¡Axis 174 and receiving the drive pin 192 in the {

Slot 206. Thus, lever 204 will not move with drive pin 192 until the latter is applied!

That at one end or the other of the movement slot 206 '$

<img file="ES358683A1_D0025.tif" />

lost. ^Jiwell, the lost movement of the groove 206 is smaller than that of the arm 198, so that, in the retraction stroke of the assembly 156, the pin 192 is applied to the rear end 207 of the groove 206, retracting the arm 204 and by rotating the axis 174, and also retracting the arm 177. The rotation of the axis 174 to the right (in the dextrogyrus direction) lowers the supports 160-166 of the heating bath, and thus the heating baths.

faction depart from the tubes 24. The retraction of the brai

I zo 177 moves cranks 178-184 and retracts mount 186 ί ¡

from the drying heater, removing it from the tubes 24. '

I

In the driving race of set 156, he passes -! dor 192 and lever 198 move lever 196, thus advancing the conveyor 22. Now, the pin;

The drive 192 moves in the lost movement slot 206, so that the supports 160-166 of the heating baths and the drying heating elements 154 will not move until the proximity of the tubes until after the conveyor has advanced, moment!

in which the drive pin 192 will be applied to the front or front end 209 of the movement slot 206!

It is lost until the activating lever 204 is moved in a v levo-gyrus direction by turning the axis 174 and thus raising the supports 160-166 of the heating baths, and pushing the connecting rod 177 to thus release the individual drying heaters 154 to a row of tubes 24. í i

i

While naturally, the movement of the driving stroke of the piston and cylinder assembly 156 transmitted t

I by means of pin 192, arm 198 and acting by means of the drive lever 196, can be used for control; 27

<img file="ES358683A1_D0026.tif" />

On the travel limit of the conveyor 22, a more positive application nail 208 can be arranged, held in rotation on the shaft 106, so that it is applied to the ^:chain wheel teeth 134.

¡The nail 208 can rotate around a pin 210 in the arm 212, in turn fixedly secured to the axis 176. • In the waiting position (first position), the nail 208 is kept out of application contact with the teeth of the chain wheel 134 by means of a spring 214 inter10 placed between the nail 208 and the arm 212, causing the jiña 208 to run into a stop pin 216 located in the

arm 212. On the other hand, when the actuating cylinder 156 retracts, thus lowering the heating baths and retracting the drying heaters, the shaft 176 rotates lie15 - the end of the nail 208 to its application contact with the teeth of the chain wheel 134 (fig. 24).

The rotation of the shaft 176, by continuing to rotate, makes the end of the nail fully applied to the teeth of the wheel (fig. 25, third position) of chain drive. When the drive cylinder 156 moves in the driving stroke and advances the conveyor 22, the chain sprocket 134 will rotate the!

: nail to fifth position, as best seen in fig. 25, and at this time the nail 208 will trip over the pin of_; i

; stop 215 placed on arm 212 and will thus prevent: that the sprocket 134 continues to rotate, and the conveyor; ii! 22 keep moving forward.

&gt; With reference now to fig. 23, the arrest!

Of the rotation of the sprockets and the conveyor i!

! 22, due to the blockage caused by nail 208, causes · í

i • i

I!

<img file="ES358683A1_D0027.tif" />

the lost movement arm 198 is released from the driving lever 196, when the notch 200 is moved away from the pin 202, as a result of its rounded rear edge 201, and return: to the first position (fig. 22). ;

After stopping the conveyor 22 and thus oriented in a new position, the continuation of the movement of the driving stroke of the pneumatic action assembly i

Nation 156 makes the drive pin 192, which!

by then it has moved along the groove 206 of lost motion, it is applied to the end 209 of this groove 206 and move the lever 204 of lost motion J by rotating the axis 174 and causing the supports 160-166 to rise of the heating baths, passing the baths to cooperate in contact with the tubes 24 that are in the new position to which it has advanced. The movement ¡of the lever 204 simultaneously produces that of the arm 1 177 and the connecting rods 178 and 180, which in turn move the connecting rods;

i

182 and 184. bringing the drying heater block to the new row of tubes 24 in the drying position, whereby individual heaters 154 are introduced into the tubes, performing the drying function. ¡¡

I the rotation of the shaft 176 also rotates the arm 190 · and the stopper pin 188 putting them in cooperative contact!

Application with the teeth of the wheel 132, thus keeping the conveyor 22 locked. Also, the!

i axis rotation 176, when moving connecting rod 178, as I see best in fig. 25, removes the locking nail 208 from the position,, ί fifth position leading it to the sixth, that is to the primitive ¡first waiting position (fig. 24).

While the shape of the heating means 42

<img file="ES358683A1_D0028.tif" />

: intended to heat test tubes 24 to temperai!

The necessary methods to carry out the chemical analysis will, of course, depend on the chemical tests that are carried out, in Figs. 29, 30, 31, 33, and 34 an appropriate way of satisfying the heating needs of the related tests according to the schedule; of fig. 4. Thus, a heating tray 217 is provided that supports a PBI electric heater (iodine bound with proteins) to obtain an approximate temperature of 230SC in positions 4 to 8 inclusive of the ¡¡longitudinal row in which the PBI test is carried out

: (fig. 4); a maria 220 bath for a temperature environment 37 of 37^s0; and a water bath 222 to create an environment i

I of 802C temperature. The heater tray 217 is supported by the support structure 158 of heating baths (fig. 21), applied to sliding on the axes 174 and 176 by means of sliding guides 224 and 226, and in application contact , with raising and lowering, on the supports 160-166 as indicated above, and now referring to fig. 33, the PBI s218 heater it can be an electric heater having a plurality of openings 228 to surround the test tubes 24 when the heater 218 is raised, and includes^¡There are suitable electrical connections 230 to supply the electrical energy necessary for heating. ;

The water in bathrooms 220 and 222 is circulated ij

¡Through pumps 246 and 248 respectively, through appropriate heaters 242 and 244, located in

I deposits 243 and 245, respectively. Thanks to some means:

I adequate heating control regulates the temperature-p

<img file="ES358683A1_D0029.tif" />

ra in baths 220 and 222. Water is supplied to baths 220 and 222 by means of a pipe 232, and some branches 234 and 236, under the control of valves 238 and 240, respectively. The excess water in baths 220 and 222 flows to overflows 250 and 252, respectively; and drains into a sump 254 that has an outlet 256 through which the drain water is discarded.

With reference to fig. 5, as indicated;

previously, when the conveyor advanced, and after the chemical analysis was completed, the tubes 24 were inverted, thus emptying their contents, and then washed in preparation for return to the cycle. With reference now to fig. 32, se;

. i have washing tubes 258, 260 and 262 provided with atomizing nozzles 264 and 268 respectively, to direct a spray of sprayed cleaning water, in diver /. 1 are placed, inside the tubes 24 and above the "slats 123", in order to wash and clean the tubes and the conveyor. The contents of the tubes 24 and the water of i

Atomization are received in a drain sump 254 for disposal.

With reference now to fig. 34, a master time regulator 272 is provided as part of the control circuit that will be described in more detail below, which, after the tests have been programmed, controls the rotary advance table 32, as well as the air valve control 274 which in turn regulates the pneumatic assembly 156 ¡. I of cylinder and piston that moves the conveyor 22. At the end of the last programmed test, the master time controller 272 is deactivated, which at that time activates the final wash time regulator 276, which will continue to do

<img file="ES358683A1_D0030.tif" />

j mu «* _ * __ move forward and put into action the action set ^ Táñ ^ o! 156 to advance the conveyor 22 during a predetermined number of cycles, to be sure that the tubes 24 3Θ wash and clean in their entirety.

With reference now to figs. 35 to 39, the reagent distribution or supply assembly 36 in which the various reagents necessary for the different chemical tests are arranged in reagent containers 38 are represented in the best way, and are extracted therefrom by means of of distribution units 40 ¡calibrated, and supplied or distributed to the tubes of í

Rehearsal 24 in the appropriate positions or positions and in the appropriate quantities to carry out the convenient programmatic tests. Preferably, the calibrated distributor units 40 include a glass cylinder 278, in which there is a Teflon piston 280 to be removed from the receptacle!

^!line 38 connected a measured amount of reagent and introduce it into the cylinder through a first check valve 282, and deliver the measured amount of reagent, through a second check valve 284, to a tube 24. It is It is desirable that the component elements of the distributor assembly 36 of reagents be made of glass, Teflon or other inert material that resists prolonged use with the chemical reagents used. The check valve 282 is connected by means of a fluid passage 286 ¡¡¡¡to one of the reagent vessels 38, and generally includes a compartment 288 having a valve seat, the polished glass 290, in communication with passage 286, and a glass valve element 292, preferably cylindrical. A second passage of fluid 294

<img file="ES358683A1_D0031.tif" />

leads from the compartment 288 into the cylinder 278, to aspirate reagent from a container 38 and into the cylinder 278, in the suction stroke of the piston 280. At the exit edge of the compartment 288 a passage or bypass notch 296, of a length greater than the width of the element 292, is provided to ensure that the passage 294 remains open in the suction lock of the piston 280, of so that the reagent can be aspirated through passage 286, through compartment 288 and into passage 294 and cylinder 278.

i

On the other hand, when the piston 280 is in the distribution or supply stroke, the valve element 292 is obliged to make contact with the polished glass seat: 290, with a positive seal to prevent all reagent return through the passage 286 to container 38; on the contrary, forcing it out through a passage 298 and through the check valve 284 until it reaches a test tube 24 »The structure of the check valve 284 is similar to that of the check valve 282. Thus, In the suction stroke of the piston 280, a measured amount of fluid circulates through the first check valve 282, while the second check valve ¡

284 is closed. In the piston distribution stroke 28O, the first check valve 282 is closed and se! opens the second check valve 284, allowing the passage of the fluid to be distributed, through the passage 298 of fluid, to a reaction tube 24.

Teflon piston 280 includes tabs;

first and second 300 and 302, which maintain a tight seal with the glass cylinder 278. The collar 303 serves

<img file="ES358683A1_D0032.tif" />

to align the piston 280 with its rod 304 in the cylinder i

; 278o As best seen in fig. 37, there is a groove 306 in, T disposed at the end of the piston rod 304 for connection to an activator assembly, a groove that is distilled to receive a T head 308 (fig. 36). The groove 306 in T, therefore, provides a loose fitting connection with the head 308 in T in a transverse direction, so that in the case that the head 308 in I is not properly aligned, it gives with the piston rod 304 , there will be a sufficient cross play in the connection so that the piston 280 remains aligned in an axial direction in the cylinder 278, and does not grip the cylinder 278 or break the glass cylinder 278 because of poor alignment, when the piston moves inside it with a reciprocating motion.

With reference now to fig. 36, the source of the supply of motive power to swing the émboI

The 280 in the cylinder 278 in order to distribute the reagent ¡may be a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly 310 ¡in which an air inlet 312 directs air to one of the sides of a piston 314 to move the rod 316 and , therefore, the T head 308 connected to the piston rod!

304. A spring 318 is provided which acts between a stop 320 ¡and the piston 314, to move the piston 314 θη the direction of.

i:

suctioning. An exit hole is also provided.

322 to limit the speed or the expense of air outlet '• I in the suction stroke, in order to limit the speed, i¡ suction for the calibrated distributor unit 40, so as not to have an adverse effect on the reagent, or damage the unit. An aeciona 324 valve is also provided34

<img file="ES358683A1_D0033.tif" />

gives electrically for activation of the distribution unit 4 0 by air intake to the lower side of the piston 314. the distance traveled by the rod 316 and therefore the piston 280 (fig. 37) in the distribution or supply stroke can be adjusted by means of a sleeve 328 ¡locked by a nut 330 in an adjusted position to limit the amount of fluid aspirated into the cylinder 278 and supplied therefrom. Thus, by means of a suitable adjustment of the sleeve 328, the stroke of the piston 280 and, therefore, the amount of reagent measured can be regulated exactly.

With reference now to fig. 35, there is an outlet pipe 332 connected to each of the units

40 reagent reagents calibrated to receive the measured reagent cm and to be supplied to a test tube 24. With reference to figs. 38 and 39, there is a support bar. 334 of distribution pipe, supported: by an adjustable support 336 to position the! bar 334 on a cross row 28 of reaction tubes! tion 24. Bar 334 includes a plurality of openings; 338, each of which is directed to the top of a test tube 24 located below, to support the former

Outflow section of distribution pipe 332, Como) i

♦ best seen in fig. 39, it is preferred that the openings j

338 form an angle with the longitudinal axis of the tubes 24,

so that the incoming reagent is directed to a tube 24

I forming an angle with it next to the top of it

I curved bottom of tube 24, creating a swirling action to the i

the reagent being supplied or distributed to the tube, which gives the mixture sufficient agitation so that the reagent

<img file="ES358683A1_D0034.tif" />

The mixture is intimately mixed with the sample contained in the tube, thereby eliminating the need to stir or shake the mixture further, to ensure the desired chemical reaction. Naturally, along the top of the transverse rows of test tubes 24 a plurality of said support bars 334 are arranged, according to the number and positions in which the reagents are to be supplied, which depends on the chemical tests that are being carried out through the device.

As indicated, in figs. 4 and 5, after the sample has been distributed to the tubes 24, the reagents added in the appropriate positions during the test, and adequately heated, the tubes are advanced by means of orientation increments to a reading station, in which The test results are analyzed, by means of a reader set 24 such as an optical reader.

With reference now to figs. 40 to 55, the reading set 44 is presented in detail, and in particular in figs. 40 to 42, in which a plurality of cuvettes 340, preferably optically equalized, are arranged one for each of the longitudinal rows 26, located above the reaction or test tubes t

24 in the reading position, and transversely aligned and supported by a movable support or reading block 342, supported in turn by guides 344 at each end and, which is connected to a piston rod 346 (figs. 40 and ¡42) connected to a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 348 in order to raise and lower the reading block 342 ¡¡to lower the cuvettes 340 into the tubes 24, whereby the fluid contained in the tubes 24 ¡

<img file="ES358683A1_D0035.tif" />

it can be sucked into the cuvettes, optically_;analyzed and re-let the tubes drain 24; after which the piston and cylinder assembly 348 raises the reading support block 342 out of the tubes 24, so that the conveyor 22 can be advanced, and taken to the reading post and analyzed another set of tubes 24.

After the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 348 lowers the support or reading block!

i

342 , and the lower ends of the cuvettes 340, which preferably include an elongated passage 341, inserted into the tubes 24, a pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 349 filling and ejection actuator is activated i

I (fig. 41, 43, 45, and 54), connected by means of the stem i

352 from the plunger to a movable rod 350 held at each end s

by sliding rods 354 and 356. the activation bar 350 is connected to a plurality of individually arranged syringe plungers 358, one for each bucket! ta 340, sliding on a 360 cylinder and with a pipe tubería

362 which connects each cylinder 360 to one of the cuvettes 340. Thus, the piston and cylinder assembly 349 is activated.

filling and ejection in the suction stroke, the activation rods and all the piston rods!

352 they retract, dragging back all the plungers 358 and creating an aspiration in the pipes 362 ί and in each of the cuvettes 340 until the liquid from the tubes 24 is passed to the cuvettes. Between the passage 341 and the body of the cuvettes 340, a sinuous passage 343 is provided, to slow the flow of fluid into the chamber and prevent the aspiration of fluid into the interior of the chamber.

<img file="ES358683A1_D0036.tif" />

ί chamber and prevent the aspiration of fluid into the; pipe 362.

With reference now to fig. 44, it should be noted: that when the plunger 358 of the syringe retracts in the syringe barrel 360, the seal of the plunger does not pass to the other side of a drain port 364 made in the cylinder wall.

While the pistons 358 as a whole are connected to the activation bar 350, all syringe cylinders 360 are connected to a drain bar 366, connected to a piston rod 368 which in turn is connected to a set of piston and drain cylinder 370. The drain bar 366 is supported on mobile support rods 372, with sliding movement thereof.

After the optical reading of the liquids contained in cuvettes 340 is completed, the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly is activated to raise the block _:reading 342 by removing it from the test tubes and bringing it to its original position, illustrated in figs.

and 41. It is then desired to drain or drain the buckets 340, emptying them of the liquid they contain, and for this purpose - the pneumatic piston and drain cylinder assembly 370 is put into action, as best illustrated in fig. Four. Five, ; whereby the drain bar 366 departs from the emm, syringe pins 358 and, therefore, the syringe cylinders 360 move in such a way that the air port 364 passes to the other side of the plunger 358. the air port i 364 moves, as best indicated in fig. 46, passing: on the other side of the piston 358 to the position indicated with

<img file="ES358683A1_D0037.tif" />

inter-swing line and thus allowing the entry of air into the syringe barrel 360, which cancels or discharges the aspiration in the pipes 362 and allows the liquid contained in the cuvettes 340 to drain back into the tubes of^:essay 24.

In order to drain or empty the cuvettes even more ii

340, the pneumatic piston assembly and · cylinder 349 for filling and ejection are activated to move the rod!

activation 350 and thus push back the plungers 358 vol-l i

seeing them put inside the syringe cylinders 350, and giving an impulse with air through the pipes 352 and the cuvettes 340 as the piston 358 passes in front of it.

the air port 364, to contribute to a greater emptying or drainage of the reading tubes 340. In addition, another air jet can be provided to further drain the cuvettes when the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly is activated! drain 370 to return drain bar 366 to its original position, thereby causing the cylinders of; syringe 360 ​​move towards syringe plunger 358, creating an additional air jet »

As best seen in fig. 54, a regulator of reading times 374 connected to the valves' i is provided

of air 376, 378 and 380, respectively, to properly activate and reverse the pneumatic assemblies of émbo-;

It and cylinder 348, 349 and the drain assembly 370 by successively lowering the cuvettes 340 until the test tubes 24 are inserted into j, aspirating the sample into the basins 340 and, after the reading has been done, do When the reading cuvettes 340 are raised, emptying them of fluidol and expelling the rest of the fluid contained therein by mejI!

I

I i

<img file="ES358683A1_D0038.tif" />

Means of air jets, so that the set reads,

Itura is fit for the next cycle.

I j As mentioned above, it is preferable to carry out i

Reading tests optically, and in fig. 55 one of these systems is schematically illustrated, in which there is a light source, such as an exciter lamp 377, which directs the light through a lens 379, through a test tube or sample placed in a cuvette 340, through a filter 381 and a measuring medium

Light, such as a photovoltaic cell 382; while the value of the intensity of the light, measured by the photoelectric cell 382 and which is measured in turn of the property being tested, is transmitted by a circuit 384 of electrical calibration control to a device ' of reading such as a recording apparatus 386. The physical fracture of reading block 342 is best seen in figs. 47 to 52 inclusive, in which the exciter lamp 377 provides a source of light supply through the lens 379, which preferably is phosphate glass, which performs not only the fun^;collimation, or to direct the rays in parallel

i * of light coming from lamps 377, but also that of absorbing heat, preventing the heat of the lamps from affecting the optical test of the sample. Chromed reflectors 388 are also provided behind the excitation lamp;

Dora 377, to direct the light through the 379 lenses and!

I ¡¡through a window 390 until it crosses the bucket of lalage 340, which preferably includes a window;

392, the rest of the amber colored cuvette would suppress parasitic light. After passing the ¡

<img file="ES358683A1_D0039.tif" />

light through the sample contained in cuvettes 340, the light passes through the filter 381 that suppresses the unwanted light and lets only the light spectrum being measured to the photocell. It is preferable that the filter: 381 is placed between the cuvette 340 and the photocell 382, ​​to prevent heat from the lamp 377

I adversely affects filter 381. ·

Now, as said before, it is also ii

it is convenient to control the thermal environment in which the reading tests are carried out, and since the exoit tadoras 377 lamps radiate a large amount of heat, the block ί

reading, as indicated in figs. 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51, cinluye some water passages 393 to make pa-^!Water through it is intended to cool block 342.

I

In addition, in order to enable additional cooling pa-j i

For the exciter lamps 377, the reading block 342 may include air chamber partitions 394 and 396 (figs. 47 and 52), each of which includes a plurality of vents 398 to allow heat to escape from the lamps 377: Now, the vents 398! member 394 are misaligned or deviated from the j vents 39θ of member 396, thus allowing escape i

of heat, but reducing the possibility of admission of f

parasitic light in the lamp compartment.

ί

With reference now to fig. 53, there is an electrical scheme of the reading system that includes parts of the control systems of figs. 54 and 55. ii

As will be described in detail below, there is a panel of program buttons 399 in which various tests that are desired to be carried out by means of the device are programmed.

<img file="ES358683A1_D0040.tif" />

to, the information being transmitted to a calculator ^! 400. A function activating button 402 is pressed to start the main time controller f

, 272 that controls the various functions in synchronism.

¡At the appropriate point in the duty cycle, the regulator, of reading times 374 (fig. 54), activates the ci: pneumatic cylinders 348 of the reading block, to place the cuvettes 340 in the test tubes 24. The test samples are then aspirated and introduced into the reading tubes 340 by means of the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 349. During the reading cycle, each of the exciter lamps 377 directs a beam of light through a cuvette 340 to a photocell 382 for each longitudinal row of tubes 24. Each exciter lamp 377 'has a lamp fault relay 404 , connected to an alarm system 406 that gives an acoustic signal in the event that one of the exciter lamps 377 fails.

I. k Next, switch 410 of the recorder's time regulator is activated, beginning its sequential • scan and going through each of the tests programmed by the device by means of the successive connection from the output of each photocell to the inlet pen of the

I '• register 386, a signal that is set, while the registration paper i advances, the signal being registered on the paper of t' ¡such that it indicates the concentration of the unknown in ii¡ the solution submitted to the analysis. During the scanning process, the lamps 458 indicative of the test being registered are lit, the counters 459 receive.

! ΐ 'pulses and count in sequence given test that is being re-registered, and the relays of programmatic relays occur

<img file="ES358683A1_D0041.tif" />

461. Just before the end of the scan cycle, a pulse is sent to the reading time regulator 374 so that it can complete its final phase of the reading cycle, the controls of fig. 54 to empty the cuvettes 340 by removing the sample tested, and remove them from the tubes 24 in preparation for the next cycle. i

In addition, a plurality of electrical control and calibration circuits 384 are provided, each of them!

Ϊ connected to a photocell 382. As part of each electrical control circuit 384, a control potentiometer 385 and a reference potentiometer 387 may be arranged to control and calibrate the output of each photocell 382 'according to a known sample that is I'm rehearsing These two potentiometers 385 and 387 used together make it possible for the information transmitted to a device. ¡¡

Readings such as a recorder 386 can be read directly in the desired measured units, in spite of any individual differences in cuvettes, photocollutes. the, filters, etc.

With reference to figs. 14 and 15, there is a link 114 connected to the engine 112 so that it gives a transmission

Two-way motive force for the collection and distribution apparatus 34. Referring now to figs. 56 to 59 a more detailed description of the structure and operation of clutch 114 can be better appreciated!

I

The clutch 114 is to have a two-way transmission between the drive or drive shaft 422 and the driven shaft 420 420. In a conventional type clutch, the shaft drives!

I cido 420 is connected in enclosure 421 to an organ of i

<img file="ES358683A1_D0042.tif" />

i cam 424 which has cam surfaces 426 intended to be applied to clutch bearings 428 and have them applied to a housing envelope 430 of the driven member, connected to the drive shaft 422. Now, this usual clutch will only work in a single direction of rotation of the drive shaft 422, which is determined by the direction springs 432 connected between the driven envelope 421 and the cam member 424. Envelope 421 provides a forward pin 442 or forward orientation.

To the usual clutch is added an inverting nail 434 with spring loaded, rotatably mounted on the pin i 440 on the envelope 430 and forced to go non-irridically against a stopper pin 436 and an inverter pin 438.

When the driving shaft 422 is rotated to the left (levogyro direction 423), the driven shaft or shaft 420 turns in the usual way, as the springs contract and apply to the inner bearings 428 of the clutch until they reach a means of outer stop, such as a solenoid switch 444 provided with an activation lever ¡446 which, when activated in place, stops the driving shaft_:Acid by application of the forward pin in the direct direction 442, so that it extends the springs 432 and releases the; inner bearings 428. The drive shaft 422 continues to rotate, and the spring loaded nail 434 jumps to the other side of the inverter pin 438 so that the driven shaft 420:

t • switches off, and will only rotate when solenoid switch 444 and lever 446 release feed pin 442 ¡

ce directly. ;

<img file="ES358683A1_D0043.tif" />

Whenever the motor or driver shaft 422 is moved in the dextrophic direction 425, the driven shaft 420 also begins to turn to the right as soon as the nail 434 trips or cooperates in contact with the inverter pin 438.

I ¹

Thus, the two-way clutch 114 can be simply activated in one direction or another of the rotation of the driving shaft.

With reference now to figs. 6 and 6A, it is re- | they have the best electrical circuits in them 'i

Power supply and circuit breaker box. The circuit breaker box 445, which is also shown in fig. l_r F

It has several designated individual circuit breakers, like pue!

if seen, by the corresponding number enclosed in the circle that is also represented in fig. 6. The figures enclosed in circles indicate circuit breakers of the type of button, that jump or appear when an overload occurs, putting into action an acoustic alarm by which the operator can quickly locate the fault, by inspecting the control panel. I send. Thus, an entry is arranged_;of energy in 447, which goes to a contactor of the usual magnetic type 448. Circuit 1 is the power supply to the various command or control circuits, of which the branch 2 is an alternating current circuit at 115 volts, the circuit 3 is a direct current supply at 48 volts, circuit 4 is supplied to a 450 air compressor (figs. two and 3) which supplies air for various machine functions, circuit 5 is for different; bath heater verses 218, 242 and 244, circuit 6

I goes to drying heaters 154, circuit 7 is for

I calculator 400, circuit 8 goes to the conveyor of!

<img file="ES358683A1_D0044.tif" />

Endless belt 22, circuit 9 is for the sample dispenser set 30, circuit 10 goes to the tubes • washing and washing valves in general, circuit 11 is i

For the drain time regulator and the drain motor (not shown), circuit 12 is for reagent distribution solenoids 324, circuit 13 goes to reading equipment 44 and photocells 382, ​​circuit 14 to recorder 386 and circuit 15 is the 12 volt DC power supply for relays 404: lamp failure and for exciter lamps 377.

\ The pushbutton panel 399 (fig. 1) is shown in figs. 60 to 62 inclusive, and includes a plurality of vertical rows 452 of indicator lights and pushbuttons, each row corresponding to a transverse row 28 of tubes 24; and assuming that there are ten longitudinal rows 26 of sixty tubes, each vertical row 452 of pushbuttons will include ten push buttons, one for each row, which i

'when pressed they indicate that the test is programmed, 9n _;'that longitudinal row, for a particular sample in particular. In addition to the ten individual discretionary program buttons selected, each row includes a! ¡Button 454 designated P, which indicates that with said sample a profile of all the ten tests has to be carried out and also includes a release button 456 (R) to disengage or release all the buttons pressed in said particular row 452, in the event of an error or in the case that it is desired to modify or change the programmed tests. In addition, 460 position numbering lights, * and 458 indicator lights are provided to indicate the status of the en-; sayos in said particular row 452. Eos push buttons;

<img file="ES358683A1_D0045.tif" />

panel 399 are connected to a fixed section or stationary frame 462 of the calculator 400. Panel 399, ® in the indicated example, has sixty buttons in the horizontal rows, so that sixty samples can be programmed for the various tests programmed in the apparatus. ¡The calculator 400 looks better in figs. 64 a 'inclusive, and includes a sweep section 464 connet¡

it gives a spindle control 466, which in turn is connected to a clutch 468 of a sweep box driven by a motor

470 to control the relative position of the mobile section

464 respective a fixed section 462. The ai motor 470

active sweep box and advances the sweep box · * i

do 464 in synchronism with respect to the conveyor advance! 22, so that the information entered in the programmer 399 is properly transmitted to the appropriate function controls, whereby the scan frame then transmits the information, for example, about the tests to be carried out, the reading to activate (which also depends on the test to be carried out), the amount of mués material!

The collection and distribution apparatus 34 has to collect (which also depends on the number of tests to be carried out; with each sample), and supplies the appropriate reagents, which also depends on the tests that have been programmed. For example, stationary table 462 corresponds!

and is electrically connected to panel 399. That is, the ¡

Table 462 will include ten rows of sixty terminals or 463 pins connected to corresponding push buttons! of panel 399. Now, the scan frame 464 will need a number of pin terminals 465 corresponding to the number of test tube positions in the transpor-ΐ

I

<img file="ES358683A1_D0046.tif" />

Itator (of twenty in the example given) in which discretionary functions can be programmed and executed. Thus, as the scan frame 464 moves ahead of the stationary frame 462, its pins or pins 465, which preferably have a spring load, as illustrated in fig. 66, move against terminals 463 and collect the programmed information, transmitting it to the different Systems that execute the different stages of the chemical tests in the twenty stations or work stations (fig. 4). As the sample being tested recovers twenty possible jobs on the transport belt 2 ?, from the sample supply to the faithful sample reading, the scanned sapphire 464 sends signals, to the various systems, that it is leaving to perform a function in a particular cycle. As previously stated, the information sent from the scan box in i

It includes data about: if more samples have been programmed; , in which longitudinal rows are they going to be distributed or supplied:

sample samples; what. reagents are going to be added in a post!

dice; and operate indicator lights in table t 1 • of program 399 to indicate which samples are in

I

I f '¡course, which essays are to be read and when will the reading function be carried out. Thus, the calculator 400 will repeat caI;

It cycles until it detects or discovers that there is no more programming. At this time, the sweep box ί 464 will return to the zero position, the timing regulator i,!

The main 272 will stop running and the appliance will turn under the control of the final wash time regulator 276, studied in relation to fig. 3. 4·

Now, in addition to the sixty rows of con-,

<img file="ES358683A1_D0047.tif" />

touches 463, as the apparatus 20 is a continuous cyclic work apparatus and since the frames are physically constructed in a linear manner, the stationary frame 462 will include another twenty rows of contacts 463 electrically bridged with the first twenty rows of contacts of the stationary frame 462, whereby the linear panel can function as a rotary switch; even when, naturally- i ΐ

Mind you, you can use a rotary box instead of tables 462 and 464, collecting the information programmed in the first twenty rows of buttons 463 when you pass the box!

of sweep 464 by the first contacts. During the fun-! cionamiento, the first position of the sweep box 464^:it will advance from the zero position to the eighty position of the stationary frame; The inverter 416 of the sweep frame will then go into action, returning it to the twenty-first position on the stationary frame, and will continue to advance between the eighty position and the twenty-first position until the programming ceases. The sweep frame 464 will then return to the zero position. Reagent selection table 113 is illustrated in fig. 64, where interconnection bridges or cables are provided to activate the various reagent solenoids 324 at the appropriate position of the conveyor .; In addition, the scan box transmits information to the reading time regulator, to control the reading and recording functions. The reagent selection table 113 includes rows 119 of receptacles connected to the electric solenoids 324, and for the tests being programmed in the apparatus of fig. two it needs sixteen reagents and solenoids, so they make fal49

<img file="ES358683A1_D0048.tif" />

ta sixteen receptacles in rows 119. In addition, as seventeen possible tube positions are provided for each test, in which reagents can be distributed, reagent selection table 113 includes seventeen rows 121 that of ten receptacles, in connection with Reagent distribution pins in scan frame 464. Therefore, in order to organize and adjust the apparatus, several jumper cables 125 are connected, of which the totality is not represented, from the receptacles of i

reagent polenoid of rows 119 a to the appropriate reagent station receptacle of rows 121 a, so that when the scan frame 464 arrives at that particular post, the appropriate reagent solenoid is activated to deliver that reagent to the test tube 24 suitable.

• With reference again to fig. 6, push buttons 472, 474 and 402 are arranged to start stopping the apparatus 20. Button 472 is stop or disconnect, to stop the apparatus in its entirety. The button ·

474 it is waiting, and is activated before operating the start button 402 „The standby button 474, when activated, activates the magnetic contactor 448, which supplies power to circuits 1 to 15 and leaves the device ready to operate, so that the simple activation of the operating button 402 activates the main time controller 272, which in turn starts the automatic chemical analysis. &gt;

; With reference now to fig. 63, a functional or batch electrical scheme of the functional controls of the present invention is shown. As indicated above, the desired tests to be ait

í

J are programmed in the table 399 of program buttons, thus obtaining discretionary control over the chemical tests to be performed with each sample. ¡¡

Likewise, the samples have been classified in the sample table 32, in the sample containers 46, and the wait button 474 (fig. 6) is activated to carry&gt;

!

the various heating baths at their proper temperature. The activation of the start-up or operation button 402 (fig. 6) activates the main time controller 272, which transmits a signal to the programmed panel 399, and to the calculator that includes the stationary panel 462 and the mobile control panel. sweep 464.

Information is sent from control panel 464 to control 115 and sample selection for storage. The selection control 115 transmits a signal to ¡

I the valve 70 of the carriage arm and activates the suction time regulator 118, by means of the control i 116 of the carriage. In addition, the sample selection control 115 transmits signals to a distribution control 111, to the distribution time regulator 122, to the aspiration time regulator 118 and to the control 116 of the carriage. From the control 116 of the car, a signal is sent to the clutch 76 of the car, to activate the car engine 72 (fig. 16) and move the pick-up and distribution needle 62 over the collection post of the test table 32. As described in greater detail in relation to the figurine, the needle 62 enters the cup 46 and aspirates the programmed sample quantity; the timing regulator 122 reverses the distributor clutch 114; the needle is raised; it is reintroduced into the sample cup 51

<img file="ES358683A1_D0049.tif" />

after 46 a segment of the sample or test tube; the arm 66 of the carriage goes back above the row of test tubes 24; and the distribution time regulator 122 stops at each of the longitudinal rows 26 of the programmed tubes and distributes a serum sample to them.

In addition, scan frame 464 transmits information to reagent selection chart 113, to ^;activate the reagent solenoid valves 324 and in 'scrub a measured amount of the appropriate reagent into the i

Proper position of the cycle.

í The scan frame 464, which receives the information, programmed stationary frame 462, activates the reading time guide 374, which controls the rise and fall of the reading block 342, to aspirate the filling and ejection assembly 349 thereof and eject it again after the completion of the reading tests.

i: The read time regulator 374 also controls the time regulator 410 of the recorder, which in turn scans each of the programmed tests and registers them in the register 386.

During each cycle, the main regulator of

J ¡times 272 sends signals to the belt conveyor 22, which is advanced, and signals the transmission of the programmed information to the function circuits and i

¡For the beginning of the functions; signals deprogramming or deactivation of the control push buttons í

At the end of each individually programmed sample, an advance control 414 is activated to advance the scan frame to the signals programmed for the next row of scheduled tests; sends signal to set 277 of \

<img file="ES358683A1_D0050.tif" />

tube washing3, to wash the drained or emptied tubes; and also sends signal to the test tube table 32, which advances.

Naturally, it is important that the belt conveyor 22, the rotary table 32 for advancing the specimens and the sweeping frame 464 are synchronized in relative position at all times, to be sure that the appropriate sample is taken from the table of sample advance i

and it is supplied to the transverse row of tubes corresponding to the conveyor 22, and that the work functions are in synchronism.

Thus, with reference to fig. 67, you can place-! a synchronization switch 479 is used to measure the position advanced by the moved conveyor 22, therefore

For example, for an endless belt transmission 481 connect

tata to one of the chain sprockets of the conveyor 22. Thus, when advancing the conveyor in a row u j tubes the synchronism switch 479 is rotated to indicate the position of the conveyor 22. Similarly, i is placed in position another sync switch i

480 (two layer cookie switch) connected to the ii

rotary table 32 to determine the rotation position | of the table. And the synchronization switches 479 and 480 are connected in series via the calculator 400!

comprising the scan frame 464, to have the se- ¡(

gure that the feed table 32, the conveyor 22, and

I

103 Stationary frames 462 and scan 464 are in sync, before continuing with the sequence of tests and immediate successive. ¡¡

The present invention, therefore, is pres53

<img file="ES358683A1_D0051.tif" />

It is well to carry out the objects and achieve the ends and advantages mentioned above, as well as others that are inherent. Although a description has been given of the embodiment of the presently preferred invention, for purely illustrative purposes, to persons versed in the

The matter will come up with numerous changes and variants in the details of the construction and arrangement of the parts, all of which fall within the spirit of the invention and the purposes of the claims that follow.

i! The present application that corresponds to the one filed in the United States of America on June 14, 1968, under N2 737.065, benefits from 'Article 51 of the current Industrial Property Statute.