Automatic chemical testing apparatus

Descriptive memory

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For requesting PATENT OF INVENTION for 20 years on behalf of ^J0HN JOSEPH ^WRAR KMCAat of North American nationality with address at 10907 Walvñck Drive, Houston, Texas, United States of America.

_by A CHEMICAL TESTING DEVICE »(International Class C07b)

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Background and foundations of the invention

The present invention relates to improvements in an automated chemical test apparatus, which gives automation of the retinal 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. , at the same time that gives a discretionary selectivity of the tests to be performed on each sample. The present apparatus 10 'can in general automate most laboratory tests that can be carried out in a single reaction or test tube, by automatic and selective collection of test samples and distribution of appropriate quantities to the programmed test tube, application! of the necessary reagents in the appropriate position, I dropped the desired tubes at the appropriate temperatures, optical analysis of the results of the tests: Chemicals, and washing and drying the tubes as prepared

I tion of the following essays.

; SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION i The present invention tends to various improvements in an automated chemical testing apparatus, in which a conveyor is provided for carrying and^;cyclically return a plurality of rows of tubes of ΐ

i rehearsal from one position to another and in which an i

ί control panel or program control to select all or any combination of various tests with each sample, tests that run automatically, how the results are automatically recorded and the components are returned for continuous work .

I

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One of the improvements of the present apparatus consists of a closed-loop or closed-loop conveyor that includes a plurality of essentially rigid transversely placed slats, and each splint in .ii

Clue some openings to firmly support a row of!

J test tubes through an intermediate part between their ends from the conveyor, so that the mouths or ends | The openings of the tubes extend upward above the upper or upper section of the conveyor—

dor 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 or passed from from one to the other of the various positions, the tubes being then inverted and emptied of their contents as the carrier is rotated, so that the tubes 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 in the upper part of the loop, and movable down to let the conveyor rotate; and a means of drying What about tubes to dry the tubes and movable in the sense of moving away from them to let the conveyor rotate; as well as a mechanical articulated link system that automatically synchronizes the orientation or advance movement of the conveyor with the raising and lowering of the tube heating means and with the retraction and

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outlet of the tube drying means; and which include -j also means that are applied to the conveyor to allow it to carry out its forward movement only at a predetermined distance; and retaining or blocking 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 supports the test samples, a collection duct^—'! gives and distribution connected to a pipe full of water!_z With a cylinder and plunger assembly connected to the tubet, it would go to suction a sample from the sample table and supply or distribute portions of the table 9

The programmed tubes, with a threaded screw that activates the assembly to precisely control the quantity of sample collected or distributed, including said means also a piston and air separation cylinder to create internal areas of air separation in the pipe in order to reduce any effect of dilution or contamination of the distributed samples; and that also include cleaning means to pass a purge diode through the conduit and the pipe in order to reduce the possibility of contamination between test samples.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of calibrated means for injecting reagents into the test tubes, means including a cylinder and plunger placed between two check valves 50 (unidirectional) which in turn include valves of: 25 | of

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Jen

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ground or ground grinding glass to give a positive, inert seal with the reagents; and in which the outlet pipes of the üistri bution media direct the reagents at an angle to the axis of the test tubes to create a convenient mixing action between the reagent and the content of the tubes and in which there are means of drive connected loosely 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 is a jiurality of cuvettes provided with elongated passages, which can be lowered to the test tubes to aspirate the contents thereof and take it inside the cuvettes; and in which the optical reading sequentially explores the cuvettes and the test results are properly recorded; and in which the aspiration is provided by a cylinder and plunger so that the cuvettes can drain after analysis and are also cleaned by an abrupt burst of air that leaves a very low surface area of ​​waste and reduces the drag

I | or accumulation of residues at negligible chemical levels, providing a sinuous passage for impe. say that the samples come out of the cuvettes by aspiration, Another feature of the invention is the provision of an optical reading system in which a phosphate glass lens is used to reduce the admissibility of heat from the light source preventing that adversely affects the reading results, and there is a filter placed between the cuvette and 15.12.68

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ίο light measuring device to separate the filter cLe the light source and cover the adverse effect of heat on the filter.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a control system by calculator-based programming, to give discretionary and selective control of the tests to be performed on each sample, a system that includes a control panel and Programmed selection that has an activation switch for each tube to selectively program the chemical tests!

eos to perform with each sample; and in which the calculator includes a first electrical contact box; connected to the control panel and a second contact panel with forward movement orientation with respect to the first contact box in synchronism with the transporter, electrically connected and controlling the best

Ϊ god of sample distribution; to reagent injection media and reading media as i

i! the second panel is advanced with respect to the first and the activation switches of the first panel are electrically connected to the second panel; and that ; it also includes a reagent selection box provided with a plurality of position receptacles corresponding to each possible position for injecting reagents j into the tubes, and electrical connections for connecting

Selectively each of the position receptacles to the desired reagent injection means.

f 'Brief description of the attached drawings.

i + Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a preferred apparatus of the present invention;

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- Figure 2 is a front skeleton elevation of the apparatus of Figure 1;

- figure 3 is a back elevation in skeleton of the apparatus of figure 1;

- 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 ports and the reading stations , indicating the possible types of trials that can be performed; ¡¡

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

tube flow; )

I

- Figure 6 is an electrical scheme that illustrates 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 elevational 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 Figure 7;

- Figure 9 is a view taken along the line

9-9 of Figure 7;

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

- Figure 11 is a view on line 11-11 i

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of figure 9;

- Figure 12 is a schematic perspective illustrating the operation of the carriage and the pick-up arm thereof, represented in a distribution position;

- Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 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 collection of mules assembly;

- Figure 15 is a view on line 15-15 of Figure 14;

- Figure 16 is a schematic view that illustrates ¹ The operation and control of the collection and distribution set of the present apparatus;

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

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activation articulation that activates the endless conveyor, the heating baths and the drying means inside the tubes of the present apparatus;

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- 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 connecting elements being seen articulated in its first and second positions;

- Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 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 Figure 24, illustrating 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 figures 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 sectional view of the conveyor of the present apparatus, illustrating the position of the heating baths with respect to the test tubes;

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- Figure 50 is a view along the line 50-50. Figure 29;

- Figure 51 is a schematic view of the water supply connections to the water heating baths;

- Figure 52 is an enlarged elevational view, in straight section, of a part of the conveyor, which represents the tube and clamp washing assemblies;

- Figure 55 is a perspective view of the electrical tube heating assembly of the apparatus;

ΐ, - Figure 54 θθ a schematic view of the sis,

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Control issue of the final wash assembly;

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J! - Figure 55 is a fragmentary and enlarged view in elevation, with parts in straight section, schematically illustrating the connections of the distributor assembly of reagents;

»Ί - Figure 56 is an enlarged elevation view, • in straight section, illustrating the bottom of one of

I! Reagent dosing assemblies;

ii - Figure 57 ® is an enlarged view, in straight section, of the upper part of the distribution assembly.

I reagent dispenser and dispenser of Figure 56;

- Fig. 58 is a fragmentary perspective j and enlarged of the connection of the supports for the outlet pipe of the reagent distributor assembly, in a) position located above the reagent tubes;

!

- Figure 59 is a fragmentary and enlarged view in straight section, illustrating the position. _z , icion of the outlet pipe of a distributor assembly ide reactive, with respect to a test tube;

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- Figure 40 is an enlarged elevational view of the reading assembly;

- Figure 41 is a view on line 41-41 of Figure 40;

- figure 42 is a view on line 42-42 of figure 40;

- Figure 43 is a view along the line ^ 3-43 of Figure 42, in the position of aspirating the contents -! from the tubes and pass it to the cuvettes;

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

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- Figure 45 is a view similar to Figure 43, and illustrates the movement of the cylinder with respect to the plunger to empty the cuvettes;

- Figure 46 is a view similar to Figure 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 Figure 40;

- Figure 48 is a view on line 48-46 of Figure 4 ?;

- figure 49 is a view on line 49-49 of figure 47;

- figure 50 is a view along the line 5θ-5θ of figure 47;

-. Figure 51 is a view on line 51-51 of Figure 47;

- Figure 52 is an awake perspective 11 ίο

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sorting of the covers covering the exciter lamp in the photocell reading block assembly;

- Figure 55 is an electrical and mechanical scheme of the reading system;

- Figure 54 is a mechanical and electrical diagram of the mechanical operation of the test set .;

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

- Figure 56 is a fragmentary and enlarged elevation, with parts in straight section, illustrating the two-way clutch assembly used in the present apparatus:

i * i - Figure 57 is a view on line 57-57 ί

from figure 5θ;

- Figure 58 is a view on line 58-58 i

From figure 56;

i ί - figure 59 is a view on line 59-59 i

ide figure 58;

I j - Figure 60 is a fragmentary view of the control panel by program of the present apparatus; j - Figure 61 is a fragmentary and enlarged view of the control panel by program, illustrating the!

¡Activation switches and indicator lamps; í - Figure 62 is a section on line 62-62 of í

Figure 61;

i - figure 65 is a wiring diagram of i

item of the control system of the present invention;

ί j - Figure 64 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective, with parts in section, illustrating the mechanical structure of the calculator of the present apparatus;

- Figure 65 is a straight sectional view of

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the mobile and fixed tables of the calculator of the present invention, and illustrates how to advance one with respect to i

the other; !

- Figure 66 is a straight section view am! 5 pleated, taken along line 66-66 of Figure 65; and: i

- Figure 67 is an electrical diagram of the circuit ¹ I; synchronization cuito of the present apparatus. i

Description of preferred embodiments

Referring now to the drawings, yen-!

particular to figures 1 to 5 inclusive, it is indicated in ge;

tralral with the number 20 the automatic chemical test apparatus, or apparatus for multiple analysis in disj creational sequence, of the present invention; which generally includes: (l) a loop or endless belt conveyor

22 which carries a plurality of rows of open containers at the top, or test tubes 24, in which the various separate longitudinal rows 26 indicate different chemical tests that can be performed, as long as ί that each transverse row separately 28 20 is planned to receive a single individual sample in which they can_F i

The various tests are carried out as the conveyor 22 progresses or is oriented successively, the test tubes 24 leading and passing them through different positions in which various stages are executed!

of the chemical test; (2) a distributor set 30 of -i samples, which may include a rotary advance table 32 for holding the test specimens, and a laughing device and distributor 34 for collecting from the advance table 32 the amount of necessary sample and supply or - distribute each sample in a single transverse row 28 - ·

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- 13 10 of tubes 24, necesariasη the necessary quantities and for the programmed tests; (3) a set 36 reaction distributor_;tives, which may include a plurality of containers of. reagents 38, connected to dispensing units - metering units, which are connected in turn to outputs placed above the test tubes 24 in the convenient position or position of the conveyor 22, to distribute reagents in the appropriate sequence and in the I put proper, in the trials that are running; (4) suitable heating means 42, located to heat the test tubes 24 θη to the convenient positions. as the tubes 24 are advanced along the conveyor 22 according to the needs of the tests qu

I micos that are running; (5) a reading set; or test 44 to analyze the results of the chemical tests that are being executed; (6) cleaning means' for cleaning the tubes 24 after the completion of the tests in a particular cross-section row 28; (7) means se-;

I tube tubes, to dry the tubes in preparation for their new use and return to the test facility; and (8) me_; í

God of control suitable for selectively controlling successive multiple analysis and synchronization of the ¡i

components mentioned above_or

By way of example, the apparatus will be described in its application to a multiple number of tests to be performed in blood serum, even though, of course, the present apparatus can be used for a diversity &lt;

s of successive and discretionary multiple chemical analyzes^!that can be run in a single reaction tube or tested »For example only, and with reference to Figures 4 and

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5, there is a plurality of ten longitudinal rows 26 of! sixty tubes 24 each, supported and oriented with mo, feed by means of conveyor 22. How I know ; He will write in more detail later, a sample will be distributed among one or more of the ten single tubes; transverse row 28, and as the trans- row row advances, 28 will be placed in the various positions or reaction or test positions where the convenient chemical operations are carried out for the different tests ί t

executed in longitudinal individual rows 26, op¿; portions such as heating, mixing and adding reagents to perform the desired chemical analysis; such as: it is related, for illustrative purposes only, in Figure 4 and in relation to the individual longitudinal rows.

les 26; after which the horizontal rows arrive; They will go to the reading post, which will analyze and record the measured values, Once the reading is finished, as best you can -!)

see Figure 5, the tubes 24 are inverted &lt;they leave their contents and are passed through one or more washing coughs and at least one drying station, from where they are returned again to the post of introduction of samples, for a new cycle,

Referring now to Figures 7 to 16, the - sample distributor set 30 includes an apparatus - collection and distribution 34 that performs the function of it.

move towards the rotary advance table 32 and collect a test sample, transferring it to one of the transverse rows j 28 of test tubes 24 and injecting a measured amount of the sample into each of the tubes 24 ^: of said row, according to the schedule of tests. Table !

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"Rotary orientation or advancement 32 is best seen in Figures 7, 8, 9 and 16, and includes a plurality of test tube containers 4-6 that can be introduced into a plurality of openings 48 uniformly distributed in the ear. for the feed table 32. Under the feed table 32 a water cooling jacket 50 (figures 7, 8 and 9) provided with an inlet 52 and an outlet 54 can be placed to give a temperature controlled environment for the i

samples contained in the containers 46, so that they are not adversely affected by the temperature and in particular by the heat generated by the components of the apparatus 20. A motor 56 for advancing the rotary table moves the table 32 by means of a reducer speed 58;

at periodic intervals, to advance by increments the sample containers 46 individually up to. a collection position, in response to a system of -; control that will be described in more detail below, ΐ

The collection and distribution apparatus 34 includes a collection and distribution conduit, such as a needle 62, carried by a carriage 64 which in turn can; move and be supported on a carriage arm 66, which in turn is supported with turning movement around one of its ends (figures 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 16), so that the collection or distribution duct or needle 62 may be carried over the sample container 46 in the feed table 32 to the collection position, as best seen in Figure 7, stroke silhouette - &lt;

ϊ interrupted, to collect a sample to be tested; after which the arm 66 of the carriage is returned to the position 'represented with full line in Figure 7, above

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a transverse row 28 of tubes 24, to inject into the individual tubes 24 portions of the sample, in -!

; which have to execute the programmed tests. t

Gomo can be seen in the best way in the figures · í

7, 9, 12, 13 and 16, there is a pneumatic piston assembly and! cylinder 68 connected to an arm 70, which goes in turn!

¡Connected to arm 66 of the car to rotate the arm

I l

and therefore to carry the carriage 64 outwardly j of the rotary advance table 32; and after collection j a sample retract arm 66 back to a position; tion located on a transverse row 28 of in tubes;

say 24. The air supply for activation and re-;

tracción i traction of the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 68 and ^ 'i' therefore, of the arm 66 of the carriage, is carried out by means of -^!i ¡: of an air passage valve 71 (figure 16). , í

The longitudinal movement of the carriage 64 along the arm 66 is best seen in Figures 12, 13 «í

and 16, in which a carriage 72 moves a pulley 74 i; by means of an inverting clutch 76, which in turn extended "from (exits), retracts and controls the position of the carriage j '' along the arm 66 by means of a control cable ii

I 78 that happens in a few crazy pulleys 80, 82, 84, 86 and!

and it is fixed to block 90 of carriage 64, whereby it can;

: if the position of the carriage 64 is controlled along the -¡ 'arm 66 by means of the connection, disconnection and inversion -¡ of the clutch 76.

An overview of the collection and dis-j apparatus ^! Taxation 43 is best seen in Figure 14, where -^:he sees that the apparatus includes a cup 8l, 85 of waste and washing (figures 9, 11, 7, 14 and 16), which has a sa-i

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lida 83 to discard the excess of sample fluid, 'having a wash cup 85 provided with an inlet 87 *)

of water or other means of washing or cleaning, which overflows - from the washing cup 85 passing to the waste cup 81 and exiting the exit 83. Oomo can be better appreciated by ί i

Figures 7 and 9, the waste and wash cup 81 is: in line with a transverse row 28 of tubes ,, at the inner end of the arm 66. As, according to ^:the programmed tests, a single sample -i 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 is distributed, having to take one!

new sample of table 32 to distribute in a row! cross-section of different tubes, it is important that there is no contamination or unwanted mixing of a sample with -&gt; another, and it is also convenient that the distribution of a single sample through the various tubes of a transverse row

Salt is made under the same conditions, to avoid in the! Samples distributed in the various variations tubes, ¡i

such as those that could be produced by dilution. So, I prej i

fiere, as best seen in Figure 10, enables; take a pipe 89 connected to the duct or recoil needle | gida and distribution 62 that is part of the collection and distribution apparatus 34 and generally consists of a system; closed water subject, such as the one composed of water 91, Ϊ followed by an interfacial or separating air zone 92, a second interfacial zone 94 comprising a part - of the sample to be tested, a second interfaced air zone! cial 96 followed by an aliquot of additional sample, i

and I have the main sample 98 to distribute or supply ^ i

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By way of example, assuming that each of the ': tests to be carried out requires a sample amount of 0.1 c, ^: i the sample 94 may be 0.1 cc and the main sample | , 'i can have a volume equal to the number of tests a -: program multiplied by 0.1 cc, plus a quantity adi—;

¡¡Tional of 0.2 cc. So while the interfacial areas -i^: !

- 1 of air 92 and 96 perform the function of preventing mixing between the water 91 and the main sample 98, the mu-!

'additional tra 94 and the additional aliquot part of the sample' collected from the feed table 32 before distributing the 3; samples in the tubes 24 will wash the inside of the tube. laugh 89 with the same type of material to be supplied or distributed, thereby reducing any tendency of the previously washed tube 89 to produce, for example, a dilution effect on the main sample 9θ «¡t

To have the desired sample collection a;

'i test and distribute in the tubes 24, the collection and distribution apparatus 34, as best seen in Figure 14, ΐ includes a cylinder assembly and collection piston 100; and sample distribution, a set of piston and water wash cylinder 102, a piston assembly 104 and - í i

! cylinder for raising and lowering needles, and a set 106 of piston and air cylinder, to create zones of air Inter,

facials in the pipe 89.;

As illustrated in Figure 14, the needle 62 is in the low position, to which it has been carried by the piston and cylinder assembly 104. I turn the needle 62 esjt

Tá low, the piston assembly and wash cylinder 102 - j with water is activated from one side to the other by means of the engine!

wash 108 and through a swivel arm 110, for:

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aspirate water by putting it in the needle 62 and in the pipe 89 and expelling it from them in order to clean the pipe 89 and the needle 62 as it passes through the water inlet 87; water to the washing cup 85 and exiting the drain 83. After washing the needle 62 and the pipe 89 the washing engine 108 stops, the piston and cylinder assembly 104 is activated to raise the needle 62₂ and the collection apparatus: and distribution 34 is then arranged to move to the collection position of specimens or samples, above the feed table 32. Upon reaching the collection position (figures 7 and 13), the 104 and piston cylinder assembly to make the needle lower, drag:

I get the piston 107 in the cylinder 106 and producing!

I the aspiration of an interfacial air zone 92 (figure ¹10) in the pipe 89 and into the sample container 46 which has been brought to the collection position by the table 32. The assembly 100 aspirates a sample 94 into the interior of the pipe 89 by rotation of a spindle

Iio 116, by means of the engine 112, which moves the cylinder;

s

118 with respect to the piston 117. The piston assembly 104 and -j cylinder is reactivated to raise the needle 62. The assembly 100 and assembly 104 is activated to lower the needle-j

I ja 62 and aspirate another interfacial part of air 96 into the inte; rior of the pipe 89. The suction and distribution motor:

I 112, which works through the inverter clutch 114_;spins the spindle 116 and therefore moves the cylinder:

118 of the 100 piston and suction cylinder assembly and [i

distribution, aspirating the programmed quantity of test specimen or test sample 98 into the needle 62 and the pipe 89. When the quantity of sample is collected

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_: mada, taking it from a sample container 46, the engine! 112 is stopped, the piston and cylinder assembly 104 is activated; the needle 62 is raised, the gear of the motor 112 is reversed and, therefore, of the spindle 116, retracting the! cylinder 118 to return a segment of sample 98; to the cup or sample container 46 to be sure that the rate of distribution of the sample in ¡

I 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 takes action of the carriage 64 until the needle 62 is placed on top! of the first test tube 24 that has been programmed to perform the test. The inverter clutch 114 is activated and a quantity of sample measured is supplied to the reaction tube 24. The reverse clutch 114 is deactivated, and the carriage 64 then moves past the tube;

i next from the cross row, programmed for epheo! tuar an essay; the inverter clutch is activated again! 114 and a quantity j is supplied to that test tube 24

of measured sample. The cantida distribution process ¡““ t í

Measurement of sample fluid in each of the tubes!

Test 24 of a transverse row is continued until all the programmed test tubes have received their -!

I shows. Once the last scheduled trial has re-! Once the sample is received, the carriage 64 moves to the waste cup 81, to which it is supplied with the aliquot part of the additional sample, the needle 62 is lowered and the wash cycle is executed again. !

With reference now to Figure 16, the sequence of operation and - is illustrated therein;

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collection and distribution device control 34 ·. From the control system, which will be studied in greater detail below, a sample selection control 115 is received in the information relative to the tests to be performed and, consequently, in relation to what longitudinal rows 26 of tubes 24 will be distributed. sample to rehearse₀ When signals from the sample selection control 115 are activated, the air valve 71 is activated which, in turn, puts the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 68 into place. _: F

turn arm 66 of the carriage towards the table of tables— ^;after 32, sending a signal to the control at the same time. 119 of the car and the suction time regulator 121;

and activating the engine 72 of the car through its name!

It is 76 and pulley 74 until the carriage 64 is moved towards the sample table 32. The clutch 76 of the car's 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 needle into the sample container 46 of the table 32. After having obtained the interfa-! Cial of air 92, sample 94 and the part of interfacial air 96, the suction and distribution motor 112 is active and collects the quantity of programmed sample; is reversed i

then the engine 112 of the distributor, and the 'air valve 120 is deactivated, allowing the cylinder assembly 104 to raise the needle 62. The sample is returned or distributed; once again a segment is inserted into the probe cup or container, and the arm 66 is returned over the test tubes 24. The suction time regulator 121 po .; a timing regulator 122 is in progress, ¡

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; when carriage 64 stops on a programmed test tube i, 24. The distribution clutch 114 is put into action and a measured sample is supplied to the appropriate tube 24 or the car clutch 76 is activated, and the car 64 moves moving past the next test tube of the:

: ί 'program, to which it supplies another sample. This distribution process continues until all test tubes are: -!

Scheduled have received your sample. Then,; j car 64 goes to oopa 81 of waste and washing. 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 figures 17 to 28 in clusive, the form of construction, work and operation in a preferable way is illustrated in the best way. ₍

I ride of the loop or endless belt conveyor 22o De 'i

Preferably, the conveyor 22 comprises a plurality of individual rigid slats 123, each of which supports a transverse stack 28 of test tubes.

I 24, with the slats 123 fixed at each end aj a chain 124 by means of screws 126 (figure 27), and 'the chains in turn supported by cogwheels ¡: I

128, 130, 132 and 134 supported on short shafts or 136 and 138 shafts, respectively. Rigid slats 123 are advantageous in that, although they allow the conveyor to rotate around the wheels, they hold firm!

Merely 3rd tubes in fixed positions. j

With reference now to Figure 28, ¡f is illustrated

in the best way the method of introducing and aligning precisely the tubes 24 in the individual slats 123 before '!

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<img file="ES358686A1_D0022.tif" />

connect the latter to chains 124 «. The slats 123 have a plurality of openings 140 of the size appro. asked to receive the tubes 24, and they are placed on, a support 142 having a base 144, the tubes 24 being introduced into the holes 140. There are holes 14o practiced in the slats 123 and extending up to! the openings 140. In holes 146 a pass is inserted! dor 148 retention, applied against an elastic protector! co 150 which protects the tubes 24 against breakage when the pin 148 is fixed. Thus, the tubes 24 are all caught in identical vertical positions with respect to the slats 123 and are firmly secured so that they do not run or slip then with respect to tablets 123 I don't even know! misalign. !

The conveyor 22 moves, orientates or advances i

periodically at a predetermined distance, such as the bearing corresponding to a transverse row of tubes, taking the tuvos 24 from one position or position to the next so!

í that the appropriate chemical tests or operations can be carried out with the programmed samples and in the proper position, moment and sequence. Therefore, adequate means are provided to periodically advance the!

i conveyor 22 at a preset distance. Now, since some of the other functions to be executed in the 24-pipeline requires close cooperation with the tubes, these functions may require synchronism with the movement! of the conveyor 22. For example, during the chemical testing process that is being carried out in the tubes 24 heat may be required, and the preferred embodiment!

I da provides heating means 42 that can -j

<img file="ES358686A1_D0023.tif" />

Include one or more bathrooms or heating elements, to meet the heating requirements of the analysis! I 'chemist. In addition, suitable drying means 152 are provided | ! I i which may include a plurality of individual electric heaters 154 connected to the 186 frame of calen! Dryers for introduction into tubes 24, to dry them after washing. Like these components, during operation, they cooperate with the tubes 24 in such a way that they prevent the forward movement or orientation of the conveyor 22, these component elements is! They are synchronized with the movement of the conveyor 22 so that the tubes 24 can be moved and carried from one position to another.

Thus, with reference to figures 19 to 26 include! If a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly is provided^; 156 to drive the driving force pa;

“To retract the heating means 42 and the drying means 152 from the pipes, do, advance the conveyor! 22 to a certain extent and re-extend or remove the heating means 42 and the drying means 152 of the tubes to their functional position. Oon reference! to figures 20 to 23 inclusive, a support structure 158 of a heating bath is provided, structured!

, tura that generally includes supports 160, 162, I64 and;

166 connected to each other by means of connecting rods or articulation elements 168, 170 and 172 and supported on axes -;

; 174 and 176.

Connecting rods 182 and 184 respectively connect other connecting rods 178, 180 activating the media!

drying, and those are in turn connected to the mount^;

I í

i

<img file="ES358686A1_D0024.tif" />

ra 186 of the drying heater ,. Connecting rods 178 and 180 are connected by means of pins 175 to connecting rod 177 that extends and retracts mount 186 from the^¡drying heater. Connecting rod 177 is connected cor. lost movement, by means of pin 179 to trigger lever 204 ·, and actuated by it.

There is a stop lobe or shoulder protrusion 188 connected to an arm 190 which is in turn connected to the shaft 176, so that the stop 188 can release the toothed wheel - 132 chain drive, allowing the movement of the conveyor 22, and can be applied again to the rue!

Chain gear 132 to keep the conveyor 22 locked in position after the conveyor has advanced.

There is also a drive pin 192 connected to the pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly 156 for transmitting the energy it receives from said assembly 156. '. An arm 194 provides support for pin 492. There is -: a drive lever 196 connected to axis 136 connecting -; the sprockets 128 and 130 providing the orienting or forward movement of the conveyor 22 when moving&gt; the lever 196 in a levógiro direction (to the left). A lost movement arm 198 is also provided connected between the drive pin 192 and the drive lever 196, arm that includes a notch 200 which, when retracted, is applied to a pin 202 of the lever 196, so that in the drive stroke lever 196 turn to the left and thus advance the conveyor 22. Now, before the conveyor 22 can be advanced, in the preferred embodiment, it is necessary to retract the air baths

13.12.68

<img file="ES358686A1_D0025.tif" />

the drying and mounting 186 of the drying heater, removing them * from the tubes 24 so as not to hinder their movement, i There is also a lever 204 of lost movement, provided with a slot 206 of lost movement, connected to the shaft * ι ΐ * 174 and receiving the drive pin 192 on the rail;

Nura 206. Thus, lever 204 will not move with the pin!

! i *&gt; i! drive 192 until the latter is applied to -1_; one end or the other of the movement slot 206 lost! do. Now, the lost movement of slot 206 is;

i

I 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 rotating shaft 174, and retracting tsm — just arm 177. the rotation of shaft 174 clockwise (in ¡; í dextrógiro direction) lowers supports 160-166 of the heating bath, and from that mode the heating baths move away from the tubes 24. the arm retraction ϊ 177 moves the cranks 178-184 and retracts the mount 186 of the

I

I. i drying heater, removing it from tubes 24.;

In the driving race of set 156, the pass-Ί

^: dor 192 and lever 198 move lever 196, thus advancing the conveyor 22. Now, the pin - ¡í

, drive 192 moves in the groove 206 of lost motion, so that the supports 160-166 of the heating baths and the drying heating elements;

154 they will not move until the tubes are close enough, after the conveyor has advanced, at which point the drive pin 192 will be applied to the front or front end 209 of the lost movement slot 206 until it moves the trigger lever 204 in 3enti

13.12.68

- 27 10

<img file="ES358686A1_D0026.tif" />

do levógiro turning axis 174 and thus raising -; supports 160-166 of the heating baths, and push; pulling the connecting rod 177 so that the heated ones come out:

i individual drying 154 to a row of tubes 24.

While, of course, the movement of the driving race of the plunger and cylinder assembly 156 transmitted by means of the pin 192, the arm 198 and which ac-, is carried out by means of the driving lever 196, can be used to control the Conveyor travel limit -¡

22, a more positive application nail 208, held in rotation on the axis 106, can be arranged so that it is. apply to the teeth of the chain wheel 134.

nail 208 can revolve around a pin - {

I

210 on arm 212, in turn fixedly secured to axis 176. In the waiting position (first position), the nail i 208 is kept out of application contact with the -¡i

teeth of the chain wheel 134 by means of a spring j 214 interposed between the nail 208 and the arm 212, making! that the nail 208 encounters a stopper pin 216 located on the arm 212. On the other hand, when the cylinder retracts -! 156, thus lowering the heating baths and retracting the drying heaters, the shaft 176 rotates bringing the end of the nail 208 to its application contact with the teeth of the chain wheel 134 (fi- ; figure 24). The rotation of axis 176, as it continues to rotate, ha-! ce that the end of the nail be applied by comple:

to the wheel teeth (figure 25, third position) ΐ

of chain transmission. When moving the drive cylinder 156 in the driving stroke and advancing the trans. carrier 22, chain sprocket 134 will rotate the:

13.12.68

<img file="ES358686A1_D0027.tif" />

nail to the fifth position, as best seen in figure 25, and at this time nail 208 will stumble upon the stopper 215 placed in the arm 212 and thus prevent the toothed wheel 134 from turning, and Transporter 22 continues moving forward.

Referring now to FIG. 23, stopping the rotation of the sprockets and the trainer 22, due to the blockage caused by the nail 208, causes the lost movement arm 198 to release from the pa j lanoa motriz 196, when the notch 202 moves away from the pin 200, due to its rounded rear edge 201, and -! return to the first position (figure 22).

After stopping the conveyor 22 and thus oriented in a new position, the continuation of the movement 15, the driving stroke of the pneumatic drive assembly | drive 156 causes the drive pin 192, which by then has moved through the groove 206 * j of lost motion, is applied to the end 209 of i

¹ this slot 206 and move the movement lever 204 per- ^¡ The shaft 174-16 has been rotated and the supports 160-166 of the heating baths are raised, passing the baths to cooperate in contact with the tubes 24 which are in the new position to which it has advanced. The movement of the lever 204 simultaneously produces that of the arm;

'177 and connecting rods 178 and l80, which in turn move connecting rods 182 and I84 carrying the drying heater block ha¡ _; cia the new row of tubes 24 in the position of -!

ΐ drying, whereby individual heaters 154 se!

I introduced into the tubes, executing the drying function. I

It rotates axis 176 also rotates arm 190 and^:

13.12.68

- 29 10

<img file="ES358686A1_D0028.tif" />

the stopper pin 188 putting them in cooperative application contact with the teeth of the wheel 132, maintains; the conveyor 22. being thus locked, also, the rotation of the shaft 176, when moving the connecting rod 178, as best seen in figure 25, removes the locking nail 208 from the post! fifth position taking it to the sixth, that is to the primitive; First waiting position (figure 24).

While the shape of the heating means 42 intended to heat the test tubes 24 to the tem! peratures necessary to carry out the chemical analysis of^;It will, of course, depend on the chemical tests that are carried out: follow, in Figures 29, 30, 31, 33 and 34 an appropriate form is illustrated to meet the needs of calen-ΐ

Performance of the related tests according to the programming in Figure 4. Thus, a heating tray is provided

217 serving as a support for an electric heater of PB¿i

I. (iodine bound with proteins) to obtain an approximate temperature of 230S0 at positions 4 to 8 inclusive of the 'longitudinal row in which the PBIj test is carried out (Figure 4); a maria 220 bathroom for a tempera 'tura atmosphere of 37²C; and a water bath 222 to create an environment of 802C temperature. The tray 217 of heaters!

T}

is supported by the support structure 158 of bathrooms ¹of heating (figure 21), applied to sliding on axes 174 and 176 by means of sliding guides 224 and -:

t

226, and in application contact, with ascent and descent, so. as supports 160-166 as indicated above. ¡¡

With reference now to Figure 33, the heater;

_,. ID 218 of PBI may be an electric heater which -; have a plurality of openings 228 to surround the tu-ί

13.12.68

- 30 5 boa tle test 24 when heater 218 is raised, and includes suitable electrical connections 230 to - \ supply the necessary electrical energy for heating

Water from baths 220 and 222 is circulated {by means of pumps 246 and 248 respectively, through appropriate heaters 242 and 244, located in reservoirs 243 and 245, respectively. Thanks to adequate heating control means the temperature is regulated *?

J ra in bathrooms 220 and 222, Water is supplied to bathrooms j 220 and 22 by means of a pipe 232, and some branches! of pipe 234 and 236, under the control of valves - j 238 and 240, respectively. The excess water of the baths3₍: 220 and 222 flows to overflows 250 and 252, respectively, and drains into a sump 254 that has an outlet 1 25.6 through which the drainage water is discarded.

With reference to figure 5, as indicated!

As before, when the conveyor advanced, and the chemical analysis was completed, tubes 24 were inverted, thus emptying their contents, and then washed in preparation for return to the cycle. With reference now to figure 32, washing tubes 25,, 260 and!

i

262 provided with atomizing nozzles 264, 266 and 268 respectively, to direct a projection of water from lim-;

i atomized piece, in various positions, inside the tubes 24 and above the slats 123, for the purpose of washing;

ί and clean the pipes and the conveyor. The contents of the tubes 24 and the atomizing water are received in a drain drain 254 'or at their disposal. ¡¡

With reference now to Figure 34, a master time regulator 272 is provided as part of circuit 13.12.68

<img file="ES358686A1_D0029.tif" />

of control that will be described in greater detail later, which, after the tests have been programmed, controls the rotary advance table 32, as well as the control air valve 274 which in turn regulates the pneumatic assembly 156 of the cylinder and piston that moves the conveyor 22 »Once the last programmed test is finished, the master time regulator 272 is deactivated, which then activates the final wash time regulator 276, which will continue to advance and put into action the drive assembly 156 to advance the conveyor 22 for a predetermined number of cycles, to ensure that the tubes 24 are washed and cleaned in their entirety.

Referring now to Figures 35 to 59, the assembly 3θ of the distribution or supply of reagents is best represented therein, in which the various reagents necessary for the different chemical tests are arranged in reagent containers 38, and are extracted from them by means of 40 calibrated distribution units, and supplied or distributed to test tubes 24 in the appropriate positions or positions and in the appropriate quantities to perform the convenient programmed tests. Preferably, the calibrated distributor units 40 include a glass cylinder 278, in which there is a Teflon plunger 280 to extract a measured amount of reagent from the connected container 3θ and insert it into the cylinder by means of a first valve of check 282, and supply the measured amount of reagent, through a second check valve 284, to a tube 24. It is convenient that - 32 ίο

<img file="ES358686A1_D0030.tif" />

The component elements of the distributor set 3 reagents are 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 containers 38, and generally includes a compartment 288 having a valve seat 290 of polished polished glass, in communication with the passage 286 , and an element; of glass valve 292, preferably cylindrical

I drica. A second passage of fluid 294 leads from it. compartment 288 inside cylinder 278, for ace! Remove the reagent from a container 38 and put it in the cylinder 278, in the suction stroke of the piston 280. In I, the exit edge of the compartment 288 provides a passage or bypass notch 296, of a length greater than ii the width of the element 292, to be certain that the passage 294 remains open in the ace stroke ipiration of the piston 280, so that the reagent can be aspirated through the passage 286, through the compartment 288 and into the passage 294 and the cylinder ¡278. 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 any return of the reagent to through 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

I ¡the check valve 284 is similar to that of the valve ί ** ¡the check valve 282. Thus, in the suction stroke of the

I

13.12.68

- 53 10

<img file="ES358686A1_D0031.tif" />

A piston 280 circulates a measured amount of fluid through the first check valve 282, while the second check valve 284 is closed. In the piston distribution stroke 280, the first check valve 282 is closed and the second check valve 284 is opened, allowing the passage of the fluid to be distributed, by means of the fluid passage 298, to a reaction tube 24 .

Teflon piston 280 includes first and second tabs 300 and 302, which maintain a tight seal!

with the glass cylinder 278. The 3θ3 cord collar ί align the piston 280 with its rod 304 in the cylinder - | 278. As best seen in Figure 37, there is a groove 306 ¡T arranged at the end of the piston rod 3 ° ^ for connection to an activator assembly, which slot is intended to receive a T head 308 (Figure 36) The groove 306 in T, therefore, provides a loose fitting connection with the head 3θθ in ® in a transverse direction, so that in the case that the head 308 in I is not properly aligned with the piston rod 304 , there will be a sufficient transverse clearance 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 due to bad alignment, when the piston moves inside of this one with reciprocating movement

Referring now to Fig. 36, the source of the driving force for reciprocating the bolt 280 in the cylinder 2? 8 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 13.12.68

<img file="ES358686A1_D0032.tif" />

from 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 that acts between a stop 320 and the piston 314, to move the piston 314 in the sense of aspiration. An outlet orifice 322 is also provided to limit the speed or expense of air outlet in the suction stroke, in order to limit the suction speed for the calibrated distribution unit 40 i, so as not to have an adverse effect on the -! j reagent, or damage the unit. An electrically operated valve 324 is also provided for activation of the distributor unit 40 by air intake to the infe side.

&gt; rior of the piston 314. The distance traveled by the rod 316 and therefore the piston 280 (figure 37) θη the stroke i of distribution or supply can be adjusted by means of: a sleeve 328 blocked by a nut 330 in position i

! adjusted to limit the amount of fluid aspirated into the cylinder 278 and supplied from it. 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.

Referring now to figure 35} there is an outlet pipe 332 connected to each of the calibrated reagent dispensing units 40, to receive the measured amount of reagent and supply it to a test tube 24. With reference to figures 3θ and 39 »there is a support rod 334 of distribution pipe, held by an adjustable support 336 to position the bar 334 on a transverse row 28 of reaction tubes 24. Bar 334 includes a plurality of abei

- 35 I

<img file="ES358686A1_D0033.tif" />

Tures 538, each of which is directed to the top of a test tube 24 located below, to support the outlet end of the distribution pipe 552. As best seen in Figure 59, it is preferred that the openings 538 form an angle with the longitudinal axis of the tubes 24, so that the incoming reagent is directed to a tube 24 at an angle with it next to the top from the curved bottom of the tube 24, creating a swirling action when the reagent is supplied or distributed to the tube, which gives the mixture sufficient agitation so that the reagent 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 upper part of the transverse rows of test tubes 24 a plurality of said support bars 534 are arranged, depending on the number and positions in which the reagents are to be supplied, which depends on the tests chemicals that are running through the device.

As indicated in Figures 4 and 5, after distributing the sample to the tubes 24, adding the reagents in the appropriate positions during the test, and properly heated, the tubes are advanced by increments of orientation to a reading post, in which the test results are analyzed, by means of a reader set 24 such as an optical reader.

With reference now to Figures 40 to 55, the reading assembly 44 is shown in detail, and in particular in Figures 40 to 42, in which a plurality of cuvettes 340 are arranged, preferably opp.

í

<img file="ES358686A1_D0034.tif" />

Ethically matched, one for each of the longitudinal rows 26, located above the reaction or test tubes 24 at the reading post, and transversely aligned and supported by a movable support or reading block 342, held in turn by guides 344 at each end and which is connected to a piston rod 346 (figures 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 interior of the tubes 24, whereby the fluid contained in the tubes 24 can be aspirated into the interior of the cuvettes. optically analyzed and re-drained to tut bos 24; after which the piston and cylinder assembly 348 raises the reading support block 342 sa i

! by pulling it from the tubes 24, so that the conveyor 22 can be advanced and taken to the reading position í

'and analyze another set of tubes 24.

After the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 348 lowers the support or reading block: 542 and the lower ends of the cuvettes 340, which preferably include an elongated passage 341, are inserted into the tubes 24, activates a pneumatic assembly of piston and cylinder 349 filling and ejection actuator; (figures 41, 43, 45 and 54), connected by means of the piston rod 25 igo 352 to a movable rod 350 held at each end by sliding rods 354. and 35θ · The activation tls bar 350 is connected to a plurality of individually arranged syringe barrels 358, one by Each tray 340, slides in a 360 cylinder and with an iberia 362 that connects each 360 cylinder to one of the cubes

13.12.68

<img file="ES358686A1_D0035.tif" />

tas 540. Thus, upon activation of the plunger and cylinder assembly 549 of filling and ejection in the suction stroke, the activation rods and all the piston rods 552 retract, dragging the pistons 558 and two backwards creating an aspiration in the pipes 562 and in each of the cuvettes 540 until the liquid from the tubes 24 is passed to the cuvettes. Between the passage 541 and the body of the cuvettes 540, a sinuous passage 545 is provided, to slow the flow of fluid into the chamber and prevent the aspiration of fluid into the pipe 562.

Referring now to Fig. 44, it should be noted that when the plunger 558 of the syringe retracts in the syringe barrel 5θθ »© 1 the piston seal does not pass to the other side of a drain port 564 made in the cylinder wall .

While the pistons 558 as a whole are connected to the activation bar 550, all syringe cylinders 560 are connected to a drain bar 566, connected to a piston rod 568 which in turn is connected to a piston assembly and sagüe cylinder 570. The drain bar 566 is supported on mobile support rods 572, with sliding movement therein.

After the optical reading of the liquids contained in the cuvettes 540 is finished, the pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly is activated to raise the reading block 542 by removing it from the test tubes and bringing it to its original position, illustrated in the figures. 40 and 41. It is then desired to drain or drain the buckets.

- 58 A ^F'o

<img file="ES358686A1_D0036.tif" />

TAS 540, emptying them of the liquid they contain, and for this purpose the pneumatic piston and drain cylinder assembly 57θ is put into action, as best illustrated in Figure 45, whereby the drain bar 566 departs from the syringe plungers 558 and, therefore, the syringe barrels 360 move so that the air port 364 passes to the other side of the plunger 358. 'The air port 364 moves, as best indicated in Figure 46, passing to the other side of the plunger 35θ, the indicated position with an interrupted stroke is sufficient and thus allowing the entry of air into the syringe cylinder 360, which cancels or discharges the aspiration in pipes 362 and allows i

j the liquid contained in the buckets 340 drain by returning to the test tubes 24.

!

^: In order to drain or further empty the cuvettes j 340, the pneumatic piston and filling and ejection cylinder assembly 349 is activated to move the activation bar barra 550 and thus retract the pistons 358 'by bringing them back into the syringe cylinders' 350, and giving an impulse with air through the pipes • 362 and the cuvettes 340 as the piston 358 passes through the front of the air port 364, to contribute to a greater: emptying or draining of the reading tubes 340. In addition,: another air jet can be provided to further deplete the cuvettes when the pneumatic plunger assembly and drain cylinder 370 are activated to turn the bar back of disagreement 366 to its primitive position, thereby making them!

Syringe cylinders 360 move towards the piston of jef ringa 358, creating an additional air jet.

As best seen in Figure 54, an i * .i? .Fin is expected

- 39 10

<img file="ES358686A1_D0037.tif" />

reading time regulator 374 connected to air valves 376, 378 and 380, respectively, to properly activate and reverse the pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies 348, 349 and the drain assembly 370 by successively lowering the buckets 340 until they are placed in the test tubes 24, aspirating the sample into the inside of the cuvettes 340 and, after the reading has been carried out, raising the reading cuvettes 340, emptying, those of fluid and expelling the rest of the fluid contained in them by means of air jets, so that the reading set remains in conditions for the following cycle.

As mentioned above, it is preferable to carry out the reading tests optically, and in figure 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 lenre 379, through a test tube or sample placed in a cuvette 340, through a filter 381 and a light measuring means, 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 reading device, such as a recording device 386. The physical structure of the reading block 342 is best seen in Figures 47 to 52 inclusive, in which the exciter lamp 377 provides a source of light supply through the lens 379, which pre. It is phosphate glass, which plays I don't know

15.12.58

- 40 i

<img file="ES358686A1_D0038.tif" />

The function of collimation, or of directing light rays from lamps 377 in parallel, but also 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 exciter lamp 377, to direct the light through the lenses 379 and through a window 390 until it crosses the reading cuvette 340, which preferably includes a window 392, the rest of the amber colored cumber being to suppress the parasitic light.

- After passing the light through the sample contained in the cuvettes 340, the light passes through the filter 381 that suppresses the unwanted light and allows only the light spectrum being measured to pass through the photocell. It is preferable that the filter 381 be placed between the cuvette 340 and the photocell 382, ​​to prevent the heat from the lamp 377 from adversely affecting the filter 381

Now, as mentioned above, it is also convenient to control the thermal environment in which the reading tests are carried out, and as the exciter lamps 377 radiate a large amount of heat, the reading block, as indicated in the Figures 47, 48, 49, 5θ and 51, includes water passages 393 to allow water intended to cool block 342 to pass through it. In addition, in order to enable additional cooling for exciter lamps 377, ®1 reading block 342 may include air chamber partitions 394 and 396 (Figures 47 and 52), each of which includes a plurality of vents 398 to let the 41 V exhaust

<img file="ES358686A1_D0039.tif" />

lor of the lamps 377 · However, the vents 398 of the member 394 are misaligned or offset from the vents 398 of the member 396, thus allowing heat to escape, but reducing the possibility of admission of parasitic light into the lamp compartment .

With reference to Figure 53, it is seen in _z It is an electrical scheme of the reading system, which includes parts of the control systems of Figures 54 and 55. Oomo will be described in detail below, there is a panel of program buttons 399 η which are programmed the various tests which are desired to be carried out by means of the apparatus, the information being transmitted to a calculator 400. An operating trigger button 402 is pressed to start the main time regulator 272 which controls the various functions in synchronism. At the appropriate point of the work cycle ¡, the read time regulator 374 (Figure 54) puts the pneumatic cylinders 348 of the reading block into action, 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 3θ2 photocell 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 exciting lamps 377 fails ·

Then switch 410 of the

13·12·68

- 42 ίο

<img file="ES358686A1_D0040.tif" />

time regulator of the recorder, beginning its sequential exploration and going through each of the tests programmed by the device by successively connecting the output of each photocell to the recording pen of the recorder 386, signal that is fixed, while the Registration paper advances, the signal being recorded on the paper in such a way as to indicate the concentration of the unknown in the solution under analysis. During the scanning process, the lamps 458 indicative of the test being recorded are turned on, the counters 455 recite pulses and count each test in sequence in sequence, and the replacement of the relays occurs;

461 programmed. Just before the end of the scan cycle, a pulse is sent to the time controller.

374 of reading so that it can complete its final phase of the reading cycle, properly activating the controls of Figure 54 to empty the cuvettes 340 after taking the tested sample, and removing them from the tubes 24 in preparation for the next cycle.

In addition, a plurality of electrical circuits of. control and calibration 384, each of them connected to a photocell 382. As part of each electrical control circuit 384, a control potentiometer 385 and a reference potentiometer 387 can be arranged to control and calibrate the output of each Photocell 382 according to a known ours that is being tested. These two potentiometers 385 and 387 used together make it possible for the information transmitted to a reading device such as a recorder 386 to be read directly in the desired measured units, at 13.12.68

<img file="ES358686A1_D0041.tif" />

despeο spite of any individual difference in cuvettes, photocells, filters, etc.

With reference to Figures 14 and 15, there is a clutch 114 connected to the engine 112 so that it gives a two-way driving force transmission for the collecting and distributing apparatus 34. With reference now to Figures 56 to 59 a more detailed description of the structure and operation of the clutch 114 can be better appreciated. The clutch 114 is to have a two-way transmission between the drive or drive shaft '422 and the driven shaft 420. In a usual type clutch, í

i the driven shaft 420 is connected in the housing 421 to a cam member 424 having cam surfaces I 426 intended to be applied to bearings 428 of the belt l

equal and have them applied to a housing envelope 430 of the driven organ, connected to the driving shaft 422. Now, this usual clutch only works i

it will go in a single direction of rotation of the drive shaft 422, which is determined by the • springs of direction 432 connected between the driven envelope 421 and the cam member 424. In the envelope 421 it was pressed; see a forward pin 442 or forward orientation.

, A reversing nail is added to the usual clutch; 434 with spring load, mounted rotatably in the passage 440 on the housing 430 and forced to go rigidly against a stop pin 436 and an inverter pin 438.

When the driving shaft 422 is rotated to the left (levo-like direction 423), the driven shaft or shaft ϊ 420 turns in the usual way, as the springs contract yi

13.12.68

<img file="ES358686A1_D0042.tif" />

they apply to the inner bearings 428 of the clutch until they reach an outer stop means, such as a solenoid switch 444 provided with an activation lever 446 which, when activated in place, stops the shaft driven by application of the pin move forward 442, so that it extends the springs 432 and releases the inner bearings 428. The driving shaft 422 continues to rotate, and the spring loaded nail 454 jumps to the other side of the inverter pin 458 so that the driven shaft 420 is disconnected, and will only rotate when the switch i

i of solenoid 444 and lever 446 release pin 442 i

! of advance in direct sense.

i Whenever the motor or driver shaft 422 is moved in the direction of dextrogyrist 425, driven shaft 420 also starts to turn right as soon as the nail 4.34 trips or cooperates in contact with the inverter pin 458. Thus, the clutch 114 two-way can be activated simply in one direction or another: the rotation of the driving shaft.

With reference now to Figures 6 and 6A, the electrical power circuits and circuit breaker box are represented in the best way. The circuit breaker table 445, which is also represented in Figure 1, has several designated individual circuit breakers, as can be seen, by the corresponding number enclosed in the circle that is also represented in Figure 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 through which the operator can quickly locate the fault

- 45 10

<img file="ES358686A1_D0043.tif" />

by inspecting the dashboard. Thus, it was available. ne a power input in 447, which goes to a conventional magnetic type contactor 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 3 © s power circuit -¡ (

of direct current at 48 volts, circuit 4 is fed to an air compressor 450 (figures 2 and 5) that supplies air for various machine functions, and circuit 5 is for the various bath heaters -j!

218, 242 and 244, circuit 6 goes to the heaters of sef cado 154, circuit 7 is for calculator 400, the -S í

circuit 8 goes to endless belt conveyor 22, the -í!

circuit 9 is for the sample distributor assembly 30 / circuit 10 goes to the tube washing and washing valves in general, circuit 11 is for the drain time regulator and the drain motor (not shown), the 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 lamp failure relays 404 and for exciter lamps 377 ·

The push-button panel 399 (figure 1) is best seen in figures 60 to 62 inclusive, and includes a plurality of vertical rows 452 of indicator and push lights, each row corresponding to a cross-sectional row 28 of tubes 24; and assuming that there are ten longitudinal rows 26 of sixty tubes, each vertical row 452 of push buttons will include ten push buttons, one 13.12.68

<img file="ES358686A1_D0044.tif" />

for each row, which when pressed indicate that the test is programmed, in that longitudinal row, for a particular sample. In addition to the ten individual discretionary pointer buttons selected, each row includes a button 454 designated P, which indicates that with said sample a profile of all of the ten tests is to be performed, and also includes a button 456 release (R) to release or release all of the buttons pressed in said particular row 452, in case of error or in case it is desired to modify or change the programmed tests. Also, be pre.

I! See 460 numbering lights, and indicator lights 458 to indicate the status of the tests in that row

452 particular. The buttons of the panel 399 are connected to a fixed section or stationary frame 462 of the calculator 400. The panel 399, in the indicated example, has sixty buttons in the horizontal rows, whereby sixty samples can be programmed for the various tests programmed in the device.

The calculator 400 is best seen in figures 64 to 66 inclusive, and includes a sweep section 464 connected to a spindle drive 466, which in turn is connected to a clutch 468 of swept frame driven by a 470 engine to control the relative position of the movable section 464 with respect to a fixed section 462. The sweeping frame motor 470 activates and advances the scan frame 464 in synchronism with respect to the advance of the conveyor 22, so that the information entered in the programmer 599 is properly transmitted to the appropriate function controls, whereby the qua—

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<img file="ES358686A1_D0045.tif" />

The scanning droplet then transmits the information, for example, about the tests to be carried out, the reading to be activated (which also depends on the test to be performed), the amount of sample material that the collecting and distributing apparatus!

I have to collect (which also depends on the number of tests to be performed with each sample), and supplies the appropriate reagents, which also depends. Do you test it! They have been programmed. For example, stationary frame 462 corresponds and is electrically connected to panel 399. That is, frame 462 will include ten rows of sixty-six terminals or pins 463 connected to a pulse.

corresponding panel res 399 · Now, scan frame j 464 will need a number of pati terminals | lia 465 corresponding to the number of tube positions of!

i test on the conveyor (of twenty in the example given) i í

in which functions can be programmed and executed - discretionary. Thus, as the scan frame 464 moves ahead of the stationary frame 462, its pins or pins 465, which preferably has a spring load, as illustrated in Figure 66, move against the terminals 463 and collect the information programmed, transmitting it to the various systems that carry out the different stages of the chemical tests in the twenty stations or work stations (figure 4). As the sample being tested runs twenty possible jobs on the conveyor belt 22, from the sample supply to the sample reading, the scan frame 464 sends signals, to the various systems, that it will be carried out a function in a particular cycle. As indicated above, the information

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<img file="ES358686A1_D0046.tif" />

sent from the scan box includes data on whether more samples have been programmed; in which longitudinal rows samples will be distributed or supplied; which reagents are to be added in a given position; and they make indicator lights functional in program table 399 to indicate which samples are in progress, which tests are to be read and when the reading function is to be carried out. Thus, the calculator 400 will repeat each machine cycle until it detects or discovers that there is no more programming, ί At this time, the sweep frame 464 will return to the zero position, the main time regulator 272 of; will stop going and the device will be put under the control i! of the final wash time regulator 276, studied in relation to figure 34.

Now, in addition to the sixty rows of contacts 463, as the apparatus 20 is a continuous cyclic work apparatus and since the frames are physically constructed in a linear fashion, 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 though, of course, a rotary frame can be used instead of the 462 and 464 frames, collecting the program information gives the sweeping frame 464 through the first contacts in the first twenty rows of buttons 463. During operation, the first position of the sweep frame 464 will advance from the zero position to the eighty position of the stationary frame; then inverter 416 of the sweep box will go into action,

<img file="ES358686A1_D0047.tif" />

bringing him back to the twenty-first position on the stationary frame, and he will continue to advance between the eighty position and the twenty-one position until the programming ceases. The sweep frame 464 will then return to the zero position. The reagent selection table 113 is illustrated in Figure 64, where bridges or interconnection cables are provided for activating the various reagent solenoids 324 in the appropriate position of the conveyor. In addition, the scan box -I 1 transmits information to the reading time regulator, ¡to control the reading and recording functions. Reagent selection table 113 includes rows - 119 of receptacles connected to electric solenoids 324, and for the tests being programmed in the apparatus of Figure 2, you need sixteen reagents and solenoids, so sixteen are needed receptacles in rows 119?¹ 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 121a of ten receptacles, in connection with the reagent distribution pins there are in the sweep box 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 reagent solenoid receptacles of rows 119a to the appropriate reagent station receptacle of the rows 121a, so that when the scan frame 464 arrives at that particular position, the appropriate reagent solenoid is activated to supply

I that reagent to the appropriate test tube 24.

- 50 With reference again to Figure 6, push buttons 472, 474 and 402 are arranged to start and stop the apparatus 20. Button 472 is stop or disconnect, to stop the apparatus in its entirety. Button 474 is waiting, and is activated before the start button 402 is operated. The standby button 4? 4, when activated, activates the magnetic contactor 448, which supplies power to circuits 1 to 15 and leaves the apparatus ready to operate, so that the same activation button of the operating button 402 activates the main time regulator 272, which starts the automatic chemical analysis in turn, with reference now to Figure 63, a functional or batch electrical scheme of the 15 functional icons of the present invention is shown therein. As indicated above, the desired tests to be carried out are programmed in table 399 of program buttons, thus obtaining discretionary control ί

; about the chemical tests to be carried out with each sample. Likewise, the samples have been classified in the sample table ΐ 32, in the sample containers 46, and the wait button 474 (figure 6) is put into action to bring the various heating baths to their temperature Adequate. The activation of the start-up button of operation 402 (figure 6) activates the regulator!

Main time 272, which transmits a signal to the programmed panel 399, and to the calculator that includes the stationary table 462 and the mobile scan frame 464.

¡From the scan frame 464 information is sent to the sample selection control 115, for its al13.12.68

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<img file="ES358686A1_D0048.tif" />

mansage The selection control 115 transmits a signal to the valve 70 of the carriage arm and activates the re. suction time guide 118, by means of the

Trolley 116 of the car. In addition, the sample selection control 115 transmits signals to a distribution control 111, to the distribution time regulator 122, to; suction time regulator 118 and control 116 -^;of the car. A signal is sent from control 116 of the car.

¡Cling to the clutch 76 of the carriage, to activate the carriage engine 72 (figure 16) and move the pick-up and distribution needle 62 above the table pick-up position.

Of test tubes 32. As described in greater detail in rejlation with Figure 16, the needle 62 enters the cup 46 i

and aspirates the programmed sample quantity; the timing regulator 122 reverses the distributor clutch 114; the needle is raised; a segment of the sample or specimen is reintroduced into the sample cup 46; the arm 66 of the car recedes above the; row of test tubes 24; and time regulator 122¹distribution stops at each of the longi rows; tudinales 26 of programmed tubes and distributes a - 'serum sample. ¡¡

In addition, the scan frame 464 transmits information to the reagent selection table 113, to - 'activate the reagent solenoid valves 324 and in -

deliver a measured amount of the appropriate reagent in the appropriate position of the cycle. :

The sweep frame 464, which receives the programmed information * from the stationary frame 462, activates the re ^!time guide 374 for reading, which controls the su;

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<img file="ES358686A1_D0049.tif" />

; connecting rod and lowering of reading block 342, to aspirate the j¹ filling and ejection assembly 349 thereof and eject it again after the completion of the reading tests.

, The reading time regulator 374 also controls j: 1 ¡the time regulator 410 of the recorder, which in turn¡¯ explores each of the programmed tests and registers them: in the register 386.;

I

During each cycle, the main -j time regulator 272 sends signals to the belt conveyor 22, 10 to which it is advanced, and gives signals for the transmission ί 'of the programmed information to the function circuits ¡jy for the start of the functions; It gives signs of disproportion. j recording or deactivation of the push buttons of; control at the end of each individually programmed sample, activates a forward control 414 to advance j the scan frame to the signals programmed for the fi j

I the next of scheduled trials; sends signal to the joint 277 of the tube wash, to wash the tubes^!laughter or emptying; and also sends signal to table 32 of - specimens, which advances. 1 í

Naturally, it is important that the belt conveyor 22, the rotary table 32 for advancing the specimens and the sweeping frame 464 are synchronized at a time; relative position at all times, to be sure that the appropriate sample is taken from the feed table - j of ours and supplied to the transverse row of your— ¡i

corresponding bos of conveyor 22, and that the - | Job functions are in sync. j!

Thus, with reference to Fig. 67, a sync switch 479 can be placed to measure the -

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<img file="ES358686A1_D0050.tif" />

position, to which the conveyor 22 has advanced moved, for example, by an endless belt transmission 481 connected. tada to one of the transport chain sprockets:

J t 22o Thus, when advancing the transport I heard · in a row of tubes the synchronization switch 479 is rotated to indicate the position of the conveyor 22. Similarly, another synchronization switch is placed in position - '480 (switch of two-layer cookies) connected to the rotary table 32 to determine the rotational position of the table. And the synchronization switches 479 and 480 are connected in series through the calculator 400 comprising the scan frame 464, to be sure that the feed table 32, the conveyor 22,; and the stationary frames 462 and scan 464 are in sync, before continuing with the sequence of immediate successive tests;

The present invention, therefore, is pres. It is good 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

matter will occur numerous changes and variants ί f

, in the details of construction and arrangement of the parts, including all of them within the spirit of the - ^:invention and the purposes of the claims that follow. ;

j

This request that corresponds to the one presented:

i in the United States of America on June 14, 1,968, ns. ; 737o065, the benefits of article 51 of vi:

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J

<img file="ES358686A1_D0051.tif" />

people Statute on Industrial Property