Automatic chemical testing apparatus

P.- 59.5S3 '35 8 68 8

172 6

Descriptive report

<img file="ES358688A1_D0001.tif" />

to apply for an Invention Patent in Spain for 20 years in the name of JOHtl JOdEiil KuRAiT enfidadíj of American nationality with address at 10907 Ilwick Prive, Houston, Texas, United States of America on behalf of the Patent Office of ^UIílCCS (International Class gOln)

26.12.190S

POOR

QUAUTY

<img file="ES358688A1_D0002.tif" />

Background and foundations of the invention

The present invention relates to improvements in an automated chemical testing apparatus, which provides automation of routine procedures in chemistry to give them greater uniformity, greater efficiency, precision and all at a lower unit cost than can be obtained with conventional operation.^: ! manual, while giving selectivity, discretion^; ! tional of the tests to be performed on each sample. This device can generally automate most of the laboratory tests that can be performed in ¡ t

i a single reaction or test tube, by automatic and selective collection of 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 to the appropriate temperatures, optical analysis of * t

the results of the chemical tests, and washing and drying of the tubes in preparation for the following tests.

Yo

Summary of the invention i

The present invention aims at various improvements in an automated chemical testing apparatus, in which a conveyor is provided for

cyclically carrying and returning a plurality of rows i of test tubes from one position to another and in which a control panel or program control is arranged

261.12.1968

- 2 5

<img file="ES358688A1_D0003.tif" />

?/>

to select all or any combination of tests with each sample, tests that run automatically, as well as automatically record the results and return the components for continuous work.

One of the improvements of the present apparatus consists of a loop conveyor or closed circuit that includes a plurality of substantially rigid slats arranged transversely, and each slat includes openings to firmly support a row of

of test tubes by an intermediate part between their !

ends from the conveyor, so that the mouths >

The open ends of the tubes extend upward above the top or upper section of the conveyor and the lower closed ends of the tubes extend below the top.

of the loop, which allows chemical tests to be carried out.

in the reaction tubes at the top of the loop as they are oriented or moved from one of the various positions to another, the tubes then being inverted and emptied of their contents as the conveyor 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 downwards j to allow the conveyor to rotate; and a tube drying means for drying the tubes and movable in the ;

Yo

26.12.1968

- 5 yo

<img file="ES358688A1_D0004.tif" />

sense of moving away from them to allow the conveyor to rotate; as well as a mechanical linkage system that automatically synchronizes the movement}

for guiding or advancing the conveyor with the raising and lowering of the tube heating means and with the retraction and exit of the tube drying means; and further including means engaging the conveyor to allow the latter to perform its forward movement only a predetermined distance; and retaining or locking means in cooperation with the conveyor, for locking the latter in position between movements

!

advance.

Another object of the present invention resides in improved means for distributing samples to the tubes, which means includes a rotating sample table holding the test samples, a &lt;

collection and distribution duct connected to a water-filled pipe with a cylinder and piston assembly

i connected to the pipe to take a sample by aspiration from the sample table and supply or distribute portions of the sample to the programmed tubes, A with a threaded screw that activates the assembly to¹ accurately control the amount of sample collected or distributed; such means also including a .

ί !

air separation plunger and cylinder to create i interfacial air separation zones in the line to reduce any dilution or contamination effects of the dispensed samples; and further including j cleaning means to pass a purge medium.

through the duct and be the pipe in order to reduce

26.12.1968

TO _

<img file="ES358688A1_D0005.tif" />

the possibility of contamination between test samplesJ Another feature of the present invention lies in the provision of calibrated means for injecting reagents into the test tubes, which means include a cylinder and plunger positioned between two check valves (one-way) which in turn include

some valves of ground or rectified glass in ¡ plane to give a positive hermetic seal, inert:

for the reagents; and in which the sa-i i pipes

The distribution media directs the reagents at an angle to the axis of the test tubes to create a convenient mixing action between the reagent and the contents of the tubes; and in which there are some '

drive means loosely connected to the piston;

i in a transverse direction, to avoid misalignment of the piston in the cylinder.

Another object of the present invention lies ii

in optical reading media, in which there is a !

plurality of buckets provided with elongated passages,

which can be lowered into test tubes to¹aspirate the contents of these and carry them to the interior of the cuvettes; and in which the optical reading explores¹in sequence 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 are drained after the analysis and are also cleaned by a sudden burst of air that leaves a very low surface residue factor and reduces the drag or accumulation of residues to insignificant chemical levels, being foreseen in the

26.12.19G8

- 5 5

<img file="ES358688A1_D0006.tif" />

í cubes a winding passage to prevent¹*cue the samples | out of the cuvettes by aspiration.

!

!

Another characteristic of the invention lies in

Item

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 it from adversely affecting the reading results, and a filter is placed between the cuvette and the light measuring device to do so

J separate the filter from the light source and reduce the

I adverse effect of heat on the filter.

Yo

J | Another feature of the present invention r

and resides in the provision of a control system by programming based on a calculator, to provide control

I discretionary and selective of the tests to be performed on each sample, system that includes a programmed control and selection box that has an i switch

activation for each tube to selectively program the chemical tests to be performed with each sample; and in which the calculator includes a first contact panel electrically connected to the control panel and a second contact panel with forward movement or orientation with respect to the first contact panel in synchronism with the conveyor r, electrically connected.

I , connected and controlled to the sample distribution means, to the reagent injection means and to the reading means as the second frame is going

advancing with respect to the first and the activation switches of the first box are electrically connected to the second box; and which also includes

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0007.tif" />

a selection box ¿Le reagents provided with a plurality of position receptacles corresponding to ¡ i

each possible position for injecting reagents into the tubes, and electrical connections for selectively connecting each of the position receptacles to the desired reagent injection means.

I f

Yo

Yo

Brief description of the attached drawings

- Figure 1 is a general view in ;

i perspective of a preferred apparatus of the present invention; ,

- Figure 2 is a front elevation in es-;

skeleton of the apparatus of fig. 1; j

- Figure 5 is a skeletal rear elevation of the apparatus in Figure 1;

Yo

- Figure 4 is an elevation view of an example of a plurality of reaction or test tubes, and illustrates the positions corresponding to the sample introduction station, the reaction stations,

I tion, heating stations and reading stations, indicating the possible types of tests that can be carried out; !

- Figure 5 is a schematic elevation of the

conveyor of the present apparatus that carries the test tubes, and also indicates possible stations for washing and drying the tubes;

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

- 7 yo

<img file="ES358688A1_D0008.tif" />

!

* 'Ί )

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

- Figure 7 ff is a fragmentary elevational view, partially in section, illustrating the sample collection and distribution component elements of the present invention; i.

- Figure 8 is a view taken along line 3-8 of Figure 7;

} - Figure 9 is a view taken by lu i

line 9-9 of figure 7; ,

- Figure 10 is a view along the line

10- 10 of figure 9;

Yo

- Figure 11 is a view along the line

11- 11 of figure 9; '

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

- Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 12, and illustrates the cart and its arm in a sample collection position;

- Figure 14 is a schematic and perspective view, partially in cross section, illustrating the hydraulic distribution assembly for collecting samples;

- Figure 15 is a view along line 15-15 άθ Figure 14;

Yo

- 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;

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0009.tif" />

ίο of the endless conveyor assembly that holds and transports the test tubes;

- Figure 13 is a view along line j

18- 18 of figure 17; !

- Figure 19 is a view along the line ¡ í

19-19 of figure 17; i

- Figure 20 is a view along the line ¡

20-20 of figure 19; i

- Figure 21 is a perspective view of the articulated activation system that puts into action the endless carrier, the heating baths and the means;

tube dryers of the present apparatus; A ί

- Figure 22 is an elevation view, partially in cross section, of the articulated activation system used to orient the conveyor, raise and lower the heating baths and extend and retract the tube drying means, the articulated linking elements being seen in their first and second positions;

- Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 22, showing the linking elements > articulated in their fourth and fifth positions; !

Yo

- Figure 24 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view, with parts in cross section, illustrating the operation of the feed or orientation pawl 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 feed pawl in its third, fifth, and sixth positions;

- Figure 26 is a fragmentary perspective

26.12.1968

- Q -

<img file="ES358688A1_D0010.tif" />

•baria and enlarged, with parts in section, of the ί advance nail of figures 24 and 25;

¡

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

- Figure 28 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view illustrating a method of securing test tubes to the carrier slats;

- Figure 29 is a sectional view ί

i fragmentary straight line of the conveyor of the present apparatus, illustrating the position of the heating baths with respect to the test tubes;

- Figure 50 is a view along line j·

50-30 of figure 29; ii

- Figure 51 is a schematic view of the water supply connections to the water-heated bathrooms;¹ l

- Figure 52 is an enlarged elevation view, in cross section, of a part of the transpon-

tator, which represents the tube and tablet washing sets;

- Figure 53 is a perspective view of the electric heating tube assembly of the apparatus;

I i

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

- Figure 35 is a fragmentary view_; and enlarged in elevation, with parts in cross section, j which schematically illustrates the connections of the reagent distributor assembly;

26.12.1968 !

J

- IO10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0011.tif" />

- Figure 36 is an enlarged, cross-sectional elevation view illustrating the lower part of one of the reagent dosing assemblies;

- Figure 37 is an enlarged elevational view, in cross section, of the upper part of the reagent dispenser and dispenser assembly of Figure J6;

- Figure 38 is a fragmentary perspective.

to improve and expand the connection of the supports to

the outlet pipe of the reaction distributor assembly!

tives, in a position above the reagent tubes;

- Figure 39 is a fragmentary and enlarged elevation view, in cross section, illustrating the position of the outlet pipe of a reagent distribution assembly, relative to a test tube;

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

L

- Figure 41 is a view along the line

Yo

41- 41 of figure 40;

- Figure 42 is a view along line i í

42- 42 of figure 40;

Yo

- Figure 43 is a view along line I

43- 43 of figure 42; in the position of aspirating the con- ;

dye the tubes and transfer them to the buckets;

- Figure 44 is a fragmentary elevation^:and enlarged, in cross section, of the cylinder assembly and the piston for filling and expelling the reading cuvettes!

from the test tubes;

- Figure 45 is a similar view

26.12.1968

10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0012.tif" />

| Figure 45 illustrates the movement of the cylinder relative to the plunger to empty the buckets;

- 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 for emptying the buckets;

<td></td><td>- Figure 47 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>by the</td><td>line</td>

<td> 47-47</td><td>from figure 40;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>- Figure 48 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>by the</td><td>line^:</td>

<td> !48-48</td><td>from figure 4?;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>- Figure 49 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>by the</td><td>line</td>

<td> 49-49</td><td>from figure 47;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> *</td>

<td></td><td>- figure 5θ ®s</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>by the</td><td>line </td>

<td> 50-50</td><td>from figure 47;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> 5</td>

<td></td><td>- Figure 51 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>by the</td><td>line</td>

<td> 51-51</td><td>from figure 47;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td>- Figure 52 is</td><td>a</td><td colspan="2">perspective</td><td>sn des-</td>

<td>piezo</td><td colspan="4">sorted the covers that cover the lamp</td><td>sxcita-</td>

dora in the photocell reading block assembly; !

- Figure 55 is an electrical diagram.

and mechanics of the reading system; i

- Figure 54 is a mechanical and electrical diagram of the mechanical operation of the input set-¹ •check;

Ϊ

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

device;

- Figure 56 is a fragmentary and enlarged elevation, with parts in cross section, illustrating the two-way clutch assembly used in the pre26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0013.tif" />

felt device;

<td rowspan="2"> 57-57</td><td colspan="2" rowspan="2">of the</td><td rowspan="2">figure</td><td rowspan="2">the figure 56; the figure</td><td colspan="7">57 is a view along the line</td>

<td colspan="2">58 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>by</td><td>the</td><td>line</td>

<td> 58-58</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>figure</td><td> 56;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td> -</td><td>the figure</td><td> 59</td><td>is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>by</td><td>the</td><td>line</td>

<td> 59-59</td><td>of</td><td>the</td><td>figure</td><td> 58;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td> —</td><td>the figure</td><td> 60</td><td>is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td colspan="3">J fragmenta-</td>

ria of the program control panel of the present apparatus- ί !

to;

¡

- Figure 61 is a fragmentary view- i^: ria and expanded control panel by program, qus j !

illustrates the activation switches and lamps

indicators; i

- Figure 62 is a cut along the line !

62-62 of figure 61; !

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

- Figure 64 is a fragmentary and enlarged perspective view, with parts in section, illustrating the mechanical structure of the present calculator.

apparatus; '

- Figure 65 is a cross-sectional view of the movable and fixed frames of the calculator of the present invention, and illustrates the mode of advancing;

one with respect to the other;

- Figure 66 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 66-66 of Figure '

65; and ;

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0014.tif" />

Figure 57 is an electrical diagram

Yo.

of the synchronization circuit of the present device.

st

I · i

I Description of preferred forms of execution

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1 through 5 inclusive, there is indicated generally by numeral 20 the automatic chemical testing apparatus, or random sequence multiplexing apparatus, of the present invention, which generally includes: (1) a loop or belt conveyor¹endless 22 carrying a plurality of rows of open-topped vessels or test tubes 24, in which the various spaced longitudinal rows 26 indicate different chemical tests that can be performed.

so that each separate transverse row 28 is pre-set to receive a single individual sample in which;

i the various tests can be carried out as the conveyor 22 successively advances or orients itself, carrying the test tubes 24 and making them

Yo^; pass through various stations in which various stages of the chemical test are carried out; (2) a set dis-^! Sample distributor 30, which may include a rotary feed table 32 for holding the test specimens to be tested, and a collecting and distributing apparatus 34 for collecting from the feed table 32 the amount of sample needed and supplying or distributing each sample into a single transverse row 28 of tubes 24, in the quantities needed and for the scheduled tests; (3) a set-

26.12.1968 i

- Yo

Yo

<img file="ES358688A1_D0015.tif" />

(4) reagent dispenser, which may include a plurality of reagent containers 38 connected to dosing dispenser units 40, which are in turn connected to outlets placed above the test tubes 24 at the convenient station or position of the conveyor 22, to distribute reagents in the appropriate sequence and at the appropriate station, in the tests being performed;

I lefaction 42 suitable, located to heat the test tubes ί 24 in the convenient stations as they are!

I advance the tubes 24 along the conveyor^! according to the needs of the chemical tests that are carried out!)

are running; (5) a reading or test set 44 for analyzing the results of the chemical tests being run; (6) cleaning means for cleaning the tubes 24 after the tests are completed;

a particular cross-row 2?; (7) tube drying means, for drying the tubes in preparation for reuse and return to the test cycle; and (8) control means suitable for selectively controlling successive multiple analysis and timing of the com- ;

speakers cited above. J

By way of example, the apparatus 20 will be described in its application to a multiple number of tests to be performed on blood serum, although, naturally, the present apparatus can be used for a:

diversity of multiple successive and discretionary chemical analyses that can be performed in a single reaction or test tube, for example, only, and with reference to the fi_; you will go ··'!- and 5, there is a plurality of ten;

26.12.1968

- 15 10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0016.tif" />

26 longitudinal rows of sixty 24 tubes each, supported and oriented with forward movement by means of_;conveyor dio 22. Corao will be described in more detail later, a sample will be distributed among; one or more of the ten tubes in a single transverse row^;28, and as the transverse row 28 advances, it will be placed in the various reaction or test stations or positions where the appropriate chemical operations for the different tests carried out in the individual longitudinal rows 26 are carried out, operations. such as heating, mixing and adding reagents to carry out the desired chemical analysis; as related, for illustrative purposes only, in Figure 4 and in relation to the individual longitudinal rows 26; after which the horizontal rows will reach the reading station, which will analyze and record the measured values. Once the reading is complete, as can best be seen in Figure 5, the tubes 24 are inverted, the va-

They are washed from their contents and 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 figures 7^to 15,¹The sample distributor assembly 30 includes a collection and distribution apparatus 34 that performs the function of moving towards the rotary feed table 32^; and collecting a sample to be tested, 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 row, according to the programming of;

Yo

- 16 - !

PÓOñ

QUALITY

26.12.1958 tests. The rotating orientation or awning 52 is best seen in figures 7, 8, 9 and 16, and includes a plural^! !

quality of test tube containers 46 that can be introduced;

¡ 1 be cut into a plurality of openings 48 uniformly re- ¡ 5 ; divided in a circle by the feed table 32. Beneath the feed table 32 there may be placed a water cooling jacket 50 (Figures 7, 8 and 9) provided with an inlet 52 and an outlet 54 to provide a temperature controlled environment for the samples contained in the containers 46, so that they are not adversely affected ¡ í

by the temperature and in particular by the heat generated by the components of the device 20. A feed motor 56 of the rotary table moves the table 32 by means of a^! i speed reducer 58 at periodic intervals to incrementally advance the sample containers 46 individually to a collection position in response to a control system to be described in greater detail later.

The collection and distribution apparatus 34 i : includes a collection and distribution duct, such as it

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 a turning movement around one of its ends (figures 7? 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14).

18)? so that the collection and distribution conduit or needle 62 can be carried over the sample container 46 on the feed table 32 to the collection position, as best seen in Figure 7? dashed line silhouette, to collect a sample;

to rehearse; after which the arm 66 of the i is returned

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0017.tif" />

carriage to the position shown in solid line in Figure 7 above a transverse row 28 of tubes 24, to inject into the individual tubes 24 portions of the sample, on which the programmed tests are to be carried out.

As can best be seen from Figures 7, 9, 12, 15 and 16, a pneumatic plunger and cylinder assembly 68 is connected to an arm 70 which is in turn connected to carriage arm 66 to rotate arm 66 and thereby carry carriage 64 outwardly over feed turntable 52; and after a sample has been collected, to retract arm 66 again to a position over a transverse row 28 of test tubes 24. The air supply i for the activation and retraction of the pneumatic assembly 68 of piston and cylinder and, therefore, of the arm 66 of the ¡

I car, it is carried out by means of a passage valve of^;air 71 (figure 16). i

The longitudinal movement of the car 64' l

along arm 66 is best seen in Figures 12, 13 and 16, where a carriage motor 72 drives a pulley 74- by means of a reversing clutch 76 which in turn extends (extends), retracts and controls the position!

from the car 64 along the arm 66 by means of a ji

control cable 78 which passes around idle pulleys 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88 and is fixed to block 90 of the carriage;

Yo

64, with which the position of the carriage can be controlled;

along the arm 66 by connecting, disengaging and reversing the clutch 75.

An overall view of the collection and distribution apparatus 43 is best seen in figure-14, where it can be seen that the apparatus includes a waste and washing cup 81, 85 (figures 9, 11, 7, 14 and 16), which

I : has an outlet 83 for disposing of excess sample fluid! 5, with a wash cup 85 provided with i an inlet 87 for water or other washing or cleaning medium,!

: which overflows from the wash bowl 85 into the waste bowl 81 and out through the outlet 83. As can be best seen from Figures 7 and 9, the waste bowl 81 and wash bowl 85 is located in line with a transversal row 28 of tubes, at the inner end of the arm 66.

Corno, according to the scheduled rehearsals, it's going to be ' !

taking a single sample from the feed table 32 to distribute it in the tubes 24 of a single transverse row, after which the excess sample 32 is distributed, having to take a new sample from the table 32 to distribute it in a different transverse row 28 of tubes, it is important that there is no contamination or unwanted mixing of one sample with another, and it is also convenient that the distribution of a single sample

for the various tubes of a transverse row is done j under the same conditions, to avoid in the samples ¡ ¡

distributed in the various tubes, variations such as those that could occur due to dilution. Thus, it is preferable!

re, as best seen in Figure 10, enable a pipe 89 connected to the collection and distribution conduit or needle 62 which forms part of the collection and distribution apparatus 34- and generally consists of^:a closed water system, such as one composed of water 91, followed by an interfacial air zone or '

26.12.1968

10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0018.tif" />

' separation 92, a second interfacial zone 94 that comI

[takes a portion of the sample to be tested, a second interfacial air zone 96 followed by an aliquot of additional sample, and then the main sample 98 to be distributed or delivered. By way of mere example, assuming that each of the tests to be performed requires a sample quantity of 0.1 cc, sample 9-.- may be 0.1 cc and the main sample 98 may have a volume equal to the number of tests to be programmed multiplied by 0.1 cc, plus an additional quantity of 0.2 cc. Thus, while the air interfacial zones 22 perform the function of preventing mixing between the water 91 and the main sample 98, the additional sample 94 and the additional aliquot of sample collected from the feed table 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 any tendency of the tube 89 orevia- i^or The mind washes to produce, for example, a diluting effect;

tion in the main sample 08·

In order to have the desired collection of the sample to be tested and distributed in the tubes 24, the collection and distribution apparatus 34, as best seen in figure 14, includes a cylinder and plunger assembly 100 for collecting and distributing samples, a plunger and cylinder assembly 102 for washing with water, a plunger and cylinder assembly 104 for raising and lowering needles, and a con!

together 106 of piston and air cylinder, to create interfacial air zones i in pipe 89.¹

Oomo is illustrated in figure 14, the needle;

26.12.1968

- 20 10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0019.tif" />

is in the low position to which it has been brought;

by the plunger and cylinder assembly 104. When the needle is down, the plunger and cylinder assembly 102 is activated back and forth by the wash motor 108 and a pivoting arm 110 to draw water into the needle 62 and pipe 89 and expel it from them to clean the pipe.

beria 89 and needle 62 as the entry of * )

water 87 passes water to the washing cup 85 and exits through the drain 85. After the needle 62 and the pipe ! 89 have been washed, the washing motor 108 stops, the piston and cylinder assembly 104 is activated to raise the needle 62, and the collection and distribution apparatus 34 is then ready to move to the position for collecting test tubes or samples, above the advance table 32. Upon reaching the pickup position (Figures 7 and 15), the plunger and cylinder assembly 104 is activated to cause the needle to move down, dragging the plunger 107 in the cylinder with it.

I dro 106 and producing the aspiration of a_zair ona!

¡ interfacial 92 (figure 10) in pipe 89 and the inte-í í

inside the sample container 46 what has been taken!

to the pickup position for table 32. The set 100|

I draws a sample 94 into the pipe 89 by rotating a spindle 116, by means of the motor i 112, which moves the cylinder 118 relative to the piston 117.

The plunger and cylinder assembly 104 is re-activated * to raise the needle 62. The assembly 100 is activated and the ¡ i

assembly 104 to lower the needle 62 and aspirate another interfacial portion of air 96 into the pipe 89. The suction and distribution motor 112, which operates at

26.12.1968

- 21 10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0020.tif" />

through the reversing clutch 114, rotates the spindle¹116 and therefore moves the cylinder 118 of the assembly 100 j of the piston and the suction and distribution cylinder, exhaling the programmed quantity of test tube or sample 98 into the needle 62 and the pipe 89.

When the programmed sample quantity is collected from a sample container 46, the motor 112 stops, the piston and cylinder assembly 104 is activated, causing the needle 62 to rise, the motor 112 reverses and, therefore, the spindle 116, retracting the cylinder 118 to return a segment of our 98 to the sample cup or container 46 for te-¹ensure that the distribution regime of the sample in the tubes 24 will be the same in all of them.¹ Yo

The arm 66 of the carriage is moved back over the transverse row 28 of test tubes 24, and the control system actuates the carriage 64 until the needle 62 is positioned over the first test tube 24 that has been moved.

has been programmed to perform the test. It is put into ac- ;

i tion. the reversing clutch 114 and a quantity is supplied

I of sample measured in reaction tube 24. ΐ i is deactivated

the reversing clutch 114, and the carriage 64 then moves:

ii

ces passing to the next tube 24 in the cross row, programmed to perform a test; the reversing clutch 114 is re-engaged and a measured amount of sample is delivered to that test tube 24. The process of distributing measured amounts of sample fluid

J in each of the 24 test tubes in a transverse row; the process continues until all scheduled test tubes have received their sample. (Jnce the j

- 22 POOR

QUALITY

26.12.1968 ς

<img file="ES358688A1_D0021.tif" />

When the last scheduled test has received its sample, the ! carriage 64 moves to the waste cup 81, to which it delivers the additional sample aliquot, the needle 62 is lowered and the wash cycle is run again.

Referring now to Figure 16, it illustrates in particular the sequence of operation and control of the collection and distribution apparatus 34.

of the control system, which will be studied later · ¡

In greater detail, information is received in a selection control 115 relating to the tests to be carried out and, consequently, to which longitudinal lines 26 of tubes 24 the sample to be tested will be distributed. Upon receiving control signals 115 ¡ for sample selection, the air valve 7Í is activated which, in turn, activates the pneumatic assembly of , piston and cylinder 68 to rotate the arm 66 of the carriage towards the sample table 32, sending itself;

I give a signal to the car control 119 and the regulator!

of 121 suction times and activating the motor 72 of the carriage by means of its clutch 76 and pulley 74 until the carriage 64 moves towards the sample table 32. The clutch 76 is reversed and the carriage motor is stopped above the collection position of the table 32!

activating the first air valve 120 which in turn activates the piston and cylinder assembly 104 to lower the needle, until it enters the sample container 46 on the table · i

32. After the interfacial part of air 92, the sample 94 and the interfacial part of air 96 have been obtained, the suction and distribution motor 112 is activated and !

POOR

QUALITY

On 26.12.1968 the programmed sample quantity is collected; the distributor motor 112 is then reversed, and the air valve 120 is deactivated, allowing the cylinder assembly 104 to raise the needle 62. A segment of the sample is returned or distributed back into the test tube cup or container, and the arm 66 is returned above the test tubes 24. The suction timer 121 engages a dispensing timer 122 when the carriage 64 stops over a programmed test tube 24. The dispensing clutch 114 is actuated, and a measured sample is delivered to the appropriate tube 24. The carriage clutch 76 is actuated, and the carriage 64 moves on to the next test tube in the program, to which it delivers another sample. This distribution process continues until all scheduled test tubes have received their sample. Cart 64 then!

passes to the waste and wash cup 81. At this instant, the wash control 108 is activated, and the needle 62 and 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 form of construction, work and operation of a preferred form of the loop or endless belt conveyor 22 is illustrated in the best way. Preferably, the conveyor 22 comprises a plurality of individual rigid slats 123, each of which supports a transverse stack 28 i

of test tubes 24, with the slats 123 being fixed 5 at each end to a chain 124 by means of screws;

26.12.1968

- 24 i

<img file="ES358688A1_D0022.tif" />

^; 126 (fig. 27), and the chains in turn held by ¡ í

toothed wheels 128, 130, 132 and 134 supported on l

ί ; short shafts or trunnions 136 and 138, respectively. ji The rigid slats 123 are advantageous in that &lt;

Of course, while they allow the conveyor to rotate around the wheels, they hold the tubes firmly in position!

¡ ! ^: tions. i ; Referring now to Fig. 28, there is best illustrated ¡ the method of accurately inserting and aligning i the tubes 24 into the individual slats j ¡ 123 before connecting the latter to the chains 124. ¡ : The slats 125 have a plurality of openings j

140 of the appropriate size to receive the 24 tubes, and^: They are placed on a support 142 having a base 15! 144, the tubes 24 being inserted into the holes 140. ;

There are holes 146 made in the boards 123 and they extend to the openings 140. In the ;

drills 146 a retention grill 148 is inserted, i!

; applied against an elastic shield 150 that protects * t

the tubes 24 against breakage when pin I is fixed

148. Thus, the tubes 24 are all held in identical vertical positions with respect to the slats 123 and are firmly secured so that they do not move or slip with respect to the slats 123 or become misaligned.

The conveyor 22 is periodically moved, oriented, or advanced a preset distance, such as that corresponding to a transverse row of tubes, carrying the tubes 24 from one station or position to the next so that the appropriate chemical tests or operations can be performed on the scheduled samples and

I í

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0023.tif" />

at the appropriate position, time and sequence. Therefore, suitable means are provided for periodically advancing the conveyor 22 a predetermined distance. However, since some of the other functions to be performed on the tubes 24 require close cooperation with the tubes, these functions may require synchronization with the movement of the conveyor 22. For example, during the chemical testing process being performed in the tubes 24, heat may be required, and the preferred embodiment provides a heating means 42 which may include one or more heating baths or elements to meet the requirements.^;heating of chemical analysis. In addition, suitable drying means are provided, which may include:

a plurality of individual electric heaters 154 connected to the heater mount 186, drying for introduction into the tubes 24, to dry them after washing. As these components, during their 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 transport them from one place to another.

Thus, with reference to Figs. 19 to 26 inclusive, a pneumatic drive cylinder and plunger assembly 156 is provided to supply the motive force to retract the heating means 42 and the drying means 152 from the tubes, advance the conveyor 22 by a predetermined amount and return

26.12.1968

- 26 5

3ΪΒ

<img file="ES358688A1_D0024.tif" />

to extend or remove the heating means 42 and the ij

. drying means 152 of the tubes to their functional position. With reference to figs. 20 to 23 inclusive, it is

YO "

It has a structure 158 to support a J-shaped bathroom_; heating, structure that generally includes some supports 160, 162, 164 and 166 connected to each other by means of connecting rods or articulation elements 168, 170 and 172 supported on axes 174 and 176.

Connected to the connecting rods 182 and 184 are other connecting rods 178, 180, which activate the means i respectively.

drying, and those are in turn connected to the mount 186 of the drying heater. The connecting rods 178 and 180 j ; are connected by means of pins 175 to the I articulation rod 177 which extends and retracts j mount 186 of the drying heater. The connecting rod 177 is j connected with lost movement, by means of pin j 179 to the activating lever 204, and actuated by it.

A stopper lobe or projection 188 is connected to an arm 190 which is in turn connected to shaft 176 so that stopper 188 can release chain drive sprocket 132, allowing movement of conveyor 22, and can re-engage chain sprocket 132 to keep 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 to transmit the energy it receives from said assembly 156. An arm 194 provides support for the pin 192. A drive lever 196 is connected to the shaft

26.12.1968 - 27 POOR

QUALITY

<img file="ES358688A1_D0025.tif" />

1$6 which connects the sprockets 128 and 130, providing the guiding or forward motion of the conveyor 22 when the lever 196 moves counterclockwise. A lost motion arm 198 is also provided, connected between the drive pin 192 and the drive lever 196, which arm includes a notch 200 which, when retracted, engages a past??

202 of lever 196, so that in the drive stroke lever 196 turns counterclockwise and thus advances conveyor 22. Now, before conveyor 22 can be advanced, in the preferred embodiment, it is necessary to retract the heating baths and the mounting 186 of the drying heater, removing them from the tubes 24 so as not to hinder their movement. There is also a lost motion lever 204, provided with a lost motion slot 206, connected to shaft 174 and receiving drive pin 192 in the slot 206. Thus, lever 204 will not move with drive pin 192 until the latter engages one or the other end of lost motion slot 206. Now the lost motion of slot 206 is less than that of arm 198, so that in the retraction stroke of assembly 166, pin 192 engages rear end 207 of slot 206, retracting arm 204 and rotating shaft 174, and also retracting arm 177. Rotation of shaft 174 to the right (counterclockwise) lowers heating bath supports 160-166, and thus the heating baths move away from tubes 24. Retraction of arm 177 moves the cranks

26.12.1968

- 28 10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0026.tif" />

173-1S4 and retracts the drying heater mount 186, removing it from the tubes 24.

In the drive stroke of assembly 156, pin 192 and lever 198 move lever 196, j ¡

thus advancing the transporter 22. Now, the

drive pin 192 moves in slot 206 {lost motion, so that supports 160-166;

of heating baths and heating elements'

Yo

I drying 154 will not move into the vicinity of the i tubes until after the conveyor has advanced.

dor, at which time the drive pin 192 i will engage the forward or front end 209 of the lost motion slot 2¿O6 until the lever is moved:

i activator 204 in a counter-clockwise direction, rotating the j axis

174 and thus lifting the supports 160-166 of the heating baths, and pushing the connecting rod 177 so as to .

output the individual drying heaters 154 to a row of tubes 24.

Ϊ

While, of course, the motion of the drive stroke of the piston and cylinder assembly 156 transmitted via pin 192, arm 198 and acting through drive lever 196 may be used to control the limit of travel of conveyor 22, a more positively engaging pawl 208, held in rotation about shaft 106, may be provided to engage the teeth of sprocket 154.

The claw 208 can rotate around a pin j

J

210 on arm 212, which is in turn firmly secured to shaft 176. In the standby position (first position), '

26.12.1968

- 29 10

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0027.tif" />

nail 208 is kept out of contact with the application.

with the teeth of the chain wheel 134 by means of a spring 214 interposed between the claw 208 and the arm_:Yo ;

212, causing the nail 205 to encounter a stop pin 216 located on the arm 212. Instead, when the drive cylinder 156 is retracted, thus lowering the heating baths and retracting the drying heaters, the shaft 176 rotates bringing the end of the pawl 208 into contact with the teeth of the chain wheel 134 (Figure 24). The rotation of the shaft 176, as it continues to rotate, causes the end of the pawl to fully engage the teeth of the chain drive wheel (Figure 25, third position). As the drive cylinder 156 moves in the first drive stroke and advances the conveyor 22, the chain sprocket 134 will rotate the pawl to the first stroke.

fifth position, as best seen in Figure 25, and at this moment the claw 208 will come into contact with the stop pin 215 placed in the arm 212 and will thus prevent the toothed wheel 134 from continuing to rotate, and the conveyor 22 from continuing to advance.

Referring now to Figure 23, the de- ! tention of the rotation of the gear wheels and the conveyor 22, due to the blocking produced by the claw 208, , i

f causes the lost motion arm 198 to be released from the drive lever 196, as the notch 200 moves away from the pin 202, due to the effect of its rounded rear edge 201, and returns to the first position (figure 22).

After stopping the ti'ansportador 22 and (

thus oriented in a new position, the continuation of the '

- 30 POOR

QUALITY

<img file="ES358688A1_D0028.tif" />

movement of the drive stroke of the pneumatic assembly ¡ i

drive pin 192, which has by then moved through the lost motion slot 206, is engaged with the end 209.

from this slot 206 and move the movement lever 204!

i lost by rotating the shaft 174 and causing the supports 160-166 of the heating baths to rise, the baths coming into contact with the tubes 24 which are in the new position to which they have advanced.

The movement of lever 204 simultaneously produces ¡

Yo

And the one of arm 177 7 the connecting rods 178 and 180, which in turn j move the connecting rods 182 and 184 carrying the heating block-¹drying heaters towards the new row of tubes 24 which are in the drying position, whereupon the individual heaters 154 are inserted into the tubes, performing the drying function. Rotation of the shaft 176 rotates i

also the arm 190 and the stop pin 188 by putting them;

in cooperative application contact with the teeth of · t

the wheel Iq2, thus keeping the conveyor locked! 22. Likewise, the rotation of the shaft 176, when moving the rod 178, as best seen in figure 25, moves the locking pawl 208 from the fifth position to the sixth, i

that is, to the original first standby position (figure 24). · clearly define the shape of the heating means;

intended to heat the test tubes 24 to the temperatures necessary to carry out the chemical analysis i will naturally depend on the chemical tests to be carried out, a suitable form to satisfy the needs of is illustrated in figures 29, 30, 31, 55 and 54;

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0029.tif" />

s .X heating of the related tests according to the programming in figure 4. Thus, the following are provided: a heating tray 217 supporting a PBI (protein-bound iodine) electric heater to obtain an approximate temperature of 230^0 in stations 4 to 8 inclusive of the longitudinal row in which the PBI test is carried out (figure 4); a bain-marie 220 for an ambient temperature of 37²θ> and^a water bath 222 to create a 8020 temperature environment, the heater tray 217 is supported by the structure of

I support 158 of heating baths (figure 21), applied to sliding on the axes 174 and 1?6 by means of sliding guides 224 and 226, and in application contact, with ascent and descent, on the supports 160-166 as previously indicated.

Referring now to the final 35, the PBI heater 218 may be an electric heater; having a plurality of openings 228 for surrounding the test tubes 24 when the heater 218 is raised, and includes suitable electrical connections 250;

s to supply the electrical energy necessary for heating.^! Yo

The water in baths 220 and 222 is circulated by means of pumps 246 and 248, respectively, at ,

through suitable heaters 242 and 244 located in tanks 243 and 245 respectively, the temperature in baths 220 and 222 is regulated by suitable heating control means. Water is supplied to baths 220 and 222 by means of a pipe 232 and branch pipes 234 and 236 under the control of valves 258 and 240 respectively.

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0030.tif" />

<img file="ES358688A1_D0031.tif" />

Excess water from baths 220 and 222 flows to overflows 250 and 252, respectively, and drains into a_; : sink 254 having an outlet 256 through which the drainage water is disposed of.

With reference to figure 5, as indicated above, as the conveyor advances, and !

Once the chemical analysis is complete, the tubes 24,j are inverted, thus emptying them of their contents, and are then washed in j preparation for their return to the cycle. With reference ¡ ¡

Now to figure 32, some washing tubes j are arranged

258, 260 and 262 equipped with atomizing nozzles 264, i : i

266 and 268, respectively, to direct a spray of atomized cleaning water, at various stations, into the tubes 24 and onto the slats 123 for the purpose of washing and cleaning the tubes and conveyor. The contents of the tubes 24 and the atomized water are received in a drain sump 254 for drainage.

waste. A i

With reference now to Figure 34, it is anticipated that^! and a master time controller 272 as part of the cir-!

: ; a control procedure that will be described in greater detail later, which, after the tests have been programmed, controls the rotary feed table 32, as well as the control air valve 274 which in turn regulates the pneumatic assembly 156 of cylinder and piston that moves the conveyor 22. Once the last programmed test has finished, the master time regulator 272 is deactivated, which at that moment activates the final wash time regulator 276, which will continue to advance and activate;

I tion the drive assembly 156 to advance

26.12.1968

- 33 10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0032.tif" />

the conveyor 22 for a predetermined number of cycles, to ensure that the tubes 24 are washed and cleaned completely.

Referring now to Figures 35 to 39, the reagent distribution or supply assembly 36 is best represented, in which the various reagents required for the different chemical tests are arranged in reagent containers 3θ, and are drawn from them by means of calibrated distributor units 40, and supplied or distributed to the test tubes 24 at the stations or_;suitable positions and in the appropriate quantities to perform the convenient programmable tests. Preferably, the calibrated distributor units 40 include a glass cylinder 278, in which there is a Teflon plunger 280 for drawing from the container 58 connected to

a measured amount of reagent and introduce it into the ¡ i

cylinder by means of a first check valve;

Yo

282, and supply the measured quantity of reagent, through a second check valve 284, to a tube 24. It is convenient that the component elements of the reagent distributor assembly 36 be made of glass,¹ Yo

Teflon or other inert material that can withstand prolonged use!

ted with the chemical reagents used. The check valve Ϊ 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 polished glass valve seat 290, in co- :

?

communication with passage 286, and a valve element 292 made of glass, preferably cylindrical in shape. (in;

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0033.tif" />

second fluid passage 294 leads from compartment 288 to the interior of cylinder 278, for suction;

reagent from a 58 container and put it into the cylinder i ¡

278, in the suction stroke of the piston 280. A bypass passage or notch 296 is provided at the trailing edge of the compartment 288, with a length greater than the width of the element 292, to ensure that the passage 294 remains open during the suction stroke of the piston 280, so that the suction can be carried out.

the reagent through passage 286, through com- 1 ¡

partition 288 and into the passage 294 and the cylinder 278. On the other hand, when the piston 280 is in the ii

: distribution or supply stroke, the valve element 292 is forced into contact with the polished glass seat 290, with a positive seal to prevent any return of the reagent through the) ί

Passage 286 to vessel 38; forcing it through the | !

Contrary to exiting through passage 298 and crossing the val- ¡ ;

check valve 284 until it reaches a test tube ! 24. The structure of the check valve 284 is ¡ ; í similar to that of the check valve 282. Thus, in ί ¡

The suction stroke of the piston 280 flows a measured amount of fluid through the first check valve 282, while the second check valve 284i

is closed. In the piston distribution stroke 2S0, the first check valve 282 is closed and the second check valve 284 is opened, allowing-^: tending if fluid passage to be distributed, by means of fluid passage 298, to a reaction tube 24. ¡ i

The Teflon 280 plunger includes tabs.

<img file="ES358688A1_D0034.tif" />

YO !

j first and second 500 and 502, which maintain a hermetic seal with the glass cylinder 273. The collar 305 serves to align the plunger 280 with its rod 504 in the:

» cylinder 278. As best seen in Figure 37? there is a slot 306 at ϊ provided in the end of the piston rod 304 for connection to an activator assembly which slot is adapted to receive a head 308 at Ϊ ¡ (Figure 36). The slot 306 at i thus provides a ¡ loose-fitting connection with the head 308 at 'J? in the transverse direction, so that in the event that the ca- ' t

Yo^F ! If the T-head 308 is not properly aligned with the plunger rod 304 I, there will be sufficient transverse play in the connection so that the plunger 280 remains aligned i

axially in the cylinder 278, and does not catch on the cylinder 278 or break the glass cylinder 278 due to poor alignment, as the plunger moves back and forth inside it.

Yo

Now referring to Figure 38? the source- if

you supply driving force to move back and forth!

the plunger 280 in the cylinder 278 in order to distribute!

!

the reagent, can be a pneumatic cylinder assembly ΐ ί

and piston 310 into which an air inlet 312 directs

Yo

I air to one side of a plunger 314 to move the rod 316 and therefore the head 308 in 1' connected to the piston rod 304. A spring 318 is provided acting between a stop 320 and the plunger 314, to move the plunger 314 in the suction direction. An ¡ outlet orifice 322 is also provided to limit the speed or ¡ air output flow on the suction stroke, in order to limit the suction speed for the unit ¡

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0035.tif" />

distributor 40 calibrated, so as not to have an adverse effect on the reagent, nor damage¹ the unit. An electrically actuated valve 324 is also provided for activating the distributor unit 40 by admitting air to the lower side of the piston 314. The distance travelled by the rod 310 and therefore by the piston 280 (figure 37) in the distribution or delivery stroke can be adjusted by means of a sleeve 328 locked by a nut 330 in the adjusted position so as to limit the quantity of fluid drawn into the cylinder 278 and delivered from it. Thus, by means of a suitable adjustment of the sleeve 328, the stroke of the piston 230 and thus the measured reagent quantity ds can be precisely regulated.

Referring now to Figure 35j there is an outlet pipe 332 connected to each of the units-ii

calibrated reagent distributors 40, to receive the measured quantity of reagent and deliver it to a test tube 24. With reference to figures 38 and 39 there is a distribution pipe support bar 334, held by an adjustable support 336 to position the bar 334 on a transverse row 28.^Ίβ reaction tubes 24. Bar 334 includes a plurality of openings 338, each of which is directed into the top of a test tube 24 located below, to support the outlet end of distribution line 332. As best seen in Figure 39, it is preferred that openings 338 be angled with the longitudinal axis of tubes 24 so that incoming reagent is directed into tube 24 forming a_;

26.12.1963

- 37 10

<img file="ES358688A1_D0036.tif" />

ί angle with the same next to the top of the bottom i

| curve of the tube 24, creating a swirling action as 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 further stir or shake the mixture to ensure the desired chemical reaction. Naturally, along the upper part of the transverse rows of test tubes 24 j a plurality of said support bars 334 are arranged, according to the number and the positions in which the reagents are to be supplied, which depends on the chemical tests that are being carried out by means of the apparatus.

As indicated in Figures 4 and 5, after the sample was distributed to the tubes 24, the following were added:¹reagents at the appropriate stations during the test, and suitably heated, the tubes are advanced by orientation increments to a reading station, ; in which the test results are analyzed, by means of a reading assembly 24 such as an optical reader, i.e.

Referring now to Figs. 40 to 55, the reading assembly 44 is shown in detail therein, and in particular in Figs. 40 to 42, in which a plurality of cuvettes 340 are arranged, of A:

preferably optically matched, one for each of the longitudinal rows 26, located above the reaction or test tubes 24 at the reading station, and aligned transversely and supported by a mobile support or reading block 342, supported in turn by some

guides 344 at each end and connected to a rod * i

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0037.tif" />

of plunger 346 (figs. 40 and 42) connected to a pneumatic assembly of plunger and cylinder $48 in order to raise and lower the reading block 342 to lower the cuvettes $40 into the tubes 24, thereby

the fluid contained in the tubes 24 can be aspirated ί i into the cuvettes, optically analyzed and j allowed to drain again into the tubes 24 ; after which : i the piston and cylinder assembly 34-8 raises the reading support block 34-2 out of the tubes 24, so that the conveyor 22 can be advanced, and taken to the reading station and analyzed · i

another set of tubes 24. j

Yo

After the pneumatic assembly of plunger and cylinder 34-8 lowers the reading support or block $42 and the lower ends of the cuvettes $40 are introduced into the tubes 24, which preferably;

and include an elongated passage 34-1, a pneumatic plunger and cylinder assembly 349 filling actuator is activated

I and ejection (figs. 41, 4$, 45 and 54-), connected by means of plunger rod 552 to a movable bar $50 ΐ supported at each end by sliding rods ί 354- and 356. The activation bar 350 is connected to a plurality of syringe plungers 358 individually j arranged, one for each bucket 34-0, slidable in a !

I i

cylinder 360 and with a pipe 362 that connects each cylinder 360 to one of the buckets 340. Thus, when activated;

the piston and cylinder assembly 34-9 has been filled and

ejection on the suction stroke, the j bars

activation and all of the piston rods 352 retract, pulling all the ' backwards with them

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0038.tif" />

pistons 358 and creating a suction in the pipes 362 and in each of the buckets 340 until the liquid passes from the tubes 24 to the buckets. Between the passage 34-1 and the body of the buckets 34-0 a winding passage 343 is provided to slow the passage of fluid into the chamber and prevent the aspiration of fluid into the pipe 362.

Yo

Referring now to Fig. 44, it is to be noted that as the syringe plunger 358 retracts into the syringe barrel 360, the plunger seal does not pass beyond a drain port 364 in the barrel wall.

While all the plungers 358 are connected to the activation bar 350, all the syringe barrels 360 are connected to a drain bar 366, connected to a plunger rod 368 which in turn is connected to a plunger and drain barrel assembly 370. The drain bar 366 is supported on mobile support rods 372, with >

sliding movement in them. i

After the optical reading of > is completed

the liquids contained in the 340 buckets, the^¡ (

pneumatic assembly of piston and cylinder to raise the reading block 342, removing it from the test tubes and bringing it to its original position, illustrated in figs. 40 and 41. It is then desired to drain or dewater the buckets 34-0, emptying them of the liquid they contain, and

And for this purpose the pneumatic assembly of the plunger and drain cylinder 370 is put into action, as best illustrated in Fig. 45, whereby the drain bar 366 is

Yo

- 40 5

<img file="ES358688A1_D0039.tif" />

moves away from the syringe plungers 358 and thus the syringe barrels 360 move such that the air port 364 passes to the other side of the plunger 358.

The air port 364 moves, as best shown in Fig. 46, passing to the other side of the piston 358 to the position indicated by the broken line and allowing!

and thus the air inlet into the syringe barrel 360, i

which cancels or discharges the suction in the pipes ' 362 and allows the liquid contained in the buckets j 340 to drain back into the test tubes 24. ;

In order to further drain or empty the I )

340 buckets, the pneumatic assembly is put into action

plunger and cylinder 349 for filling and expulsion to move ¡ ¡

the activation bar 350 and thus push back the pistons 358, putting them back into the cylinders;

j of syringe 350, and giving an impulse with air through i

pipes 362 and buckets 340 as the plunger passes

358 in front of the air port 364, to contribute to a greater emptying or drainage of the reading tubes!

>40. In addition, another jet of air can be provided for !

I further drain the buckets by activating the pneumatic plunger and drain cylinder assembly 370 to return the drain bar 566 to its original position, j thereby causing the syringe cylinders 360 to !

move towards the syringe plunger 358, creating an additional jet of oil.

As best seen in Fig. 5^zly is expected!

a regulator you throw-.>os reading 374 connected to the ji

air valves 376, 37θ and 580, respectively, for ¡ i

properly activate and reverse the pneumatic assemblies

26.12.1963

<img file="ES358688A1_D0040.tif" />

piston and cylinder tics 548, 549 and the drain assembly 37θ by successively lowering the buckets 540; just put them in the test tubes 24, aspirating the^;sample into the cuvettes 540 and, after the reading is taken, raising the reading cuvettes 540, emptying them of fluid and expelling the rest of the fluid contained in them by means of air jets, so that the reading set is in condition for the next cycle.

As has been said before, it is preferable to effect-;

{ carry out the optical reading tests, and one of these systems is schematically illustrated in fig. ';

in which there is a light supply source, such as an exciter lamp 577, which directs the light through

of a 579 lens, through a test tube or sample^: placed in a cuvette 340, through a filter 581 and to a light measuring means, such as a photovoltaic cell 582; while the value of the intensity of the light, measured by the photoelectric cell 582 and which is itself a measure of the property being tested, is transmitted by an electrical control circuit 584.

calibration to a reading device, such as a.

I recording device 588. The physical structure of the reading block 342 is best appreciated in figs._; to 52 inclusive, in which the exciter lamp i

577 provides a source of light supply through the lens 579, which is preferably made of phosphate glass, which performs not only the function of collimation, or directing the light rays in parallel and

teeth of the lamps 577, but also to absorb,

- 42 POOR

QUALITY

Yo

<img file="ES358688A1_D0041.tif" />

and heat, preventing the heat of the lamps from affecting the optical testing of the sample. Chromed reflectors 388 are also provided behind the exciting lamp 577, to direct the light through the lenses 379 and through a window 390 to pass through the reading cuvette 340, which preferably includes a window 392, the rest of the cuvette being colored in;

^; amber to suppress stray light. After passing the light through the sample contained in the cuvettes 340, the light passes through the filter 381 which suppresses the unwanted light and allows only the light spectrum being measured to pass through to the photocell ii. It is preferable for the filter 381 to be placed between the cuvette ΐ

I ; 340 and photocell 382, to prevent heat from lamp 377 from adversely affecting the filter;

tro 381. ;

Now, as previously stated, it is also advisable to control the thermal environment in which the reading tests are carried out, and since the exciter lamps 377 radiate a large amount of heat, the reading block, as indicated in figs. 47, 48,

49, 5U and 51, includes some water passages 393 to be able to ' i

to pass water through it to cool it |^¡ blooue 342. In addition, in order to enable proper cooling i

additional for the exciter lamps 377, the block^! Reading 542 may include air chamber partitions 394 and 39θ (figs. 47 and 52), each of which;

It includes a plurality of vents 398 to allow heat to escape from the lamps 377. Now, the vents 398 of the member 394 are misaligned or

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0042.tif" />

offset from the vents 398 of member i

396, thus allowing heat to escape, but reducing₍the possibility of stray light entering the lamp compartment. :

Referring now to Fig. 53, there is an electrical diagram of the Reading Asthenia, which includes parts of the control systems of Figs. 54 and 55. As will be described in detail later, there is a program button panel 399 on which

I the various tests to be carried out are programmed by means of the apparatus, the information being transmitted to a calculator 400. A push button 402, which activates operation, is pressed to start the main time regulator 272, which controls the functions.

various functions in synchronism. At the appropriate point^; of the work cycle, the reading time regulator 374 (figure 54) puts into action the numerical cylinders 348 of the reading block, to insert the cuvettes 340 into the test tubes 24. The test samples are then aspirated and introduced into the test tubes 340.

reading 340 by means of the pneumatic assembly of piston jand cylinder 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 failure relay 404, connected to an alarm system 406 which gives an acoustic signal!

in the event of failure of one of the exciter lamps i

377.

Switch 410 is then activated.

26.12.1963 _ 4.4 _

QUALITY

<img file="ES358688A1_D0043.tif" />

of the recorder's time regulator, starting its sequential scan and going through each of the tests programmed by the device by means of the successive connection of the output of each photocell to the recorder's recording pen 586, a signal that is fixed, while the recording paper advances, recording the signal on the paper in such a way that it indicates the

! i concentration of the unknown in the solution subjected j^J_z I ' to the analysis. During the scanning process, the lamps 458 indicating the test being recorded are lit, the counters 459 receive pulses and count in sequence each test being recorded, and the programmed relays 461 are reset. Just before the scanning cycle ends, a pulse is sent to the time regulator 374!

reading so that it can complete its final phase '

of the reading cycle, properly activating the con-i i

Fig. fiA's trols for emptying the cuvettes 340 remove the sample from them and take them out of the tubes 24 j! in preparation for the next cycle.

In addition, a plurality of electrical control and calibration circuits 384 are provided, each of which^; Yo

: they are connected to a photocell 382. As part of each electrical control circuit 384, a witness potentiometer 385 and a potentiometer 387 may be provided^:reference, to control and calibrate the output of each photocell 382 according to a known sample being tested. Used together these two potentiometers 385 and 597 make it possible for the information transmitted to a reading device such as

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0044.tif" />

Yo

<img file="ES358688A1_D0045.tif" />

A 386 recorder can be read directly in the desired measured units, despite any individual differences in cuvettes, photocells, filters, etc.

Referring to Figs. 14 and 16, a clutch 114 is connected to motor 112 so as to provide two-way transmission of motive power to the take-up and distribution apparatus 34. A more detailed description of the structure and operation of clutch 114 may be seen with reference now to Figs. 56 through 59. Clutch 114 is to provide two-way transmission between drive shaft 422 and driven shaft 420. In a conventional type clutch, the driven shaft 420 is connected to the ra >

envelope 421 to a cam organ 424 having some^! cam surfaces 426 intended to engage bearings 428 of the clutch and cause these to engage ϊ with a housing shell 450 of the polished member, j connected to the drive shaft 422. Now, this usual clutch j will only work in a single direction of rotation of the ¡

drive shaft 422, direction which is determined!

and by the springs of sense 432 connected between the enve- ¡ i

driven winding 421 and cam organ 424, In the envelop-j

J »

sale 421 provides for a forward-orientation or advancing pin 4-42.

To the usual clutch is added a spring-loaded reverse pawl 434, mounted to rotate on the j pin 440 on the casing 430 and forced to go from j )

non-rigid manner against a stop pin 4J6 and a reversing pin 438. ;

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0046.tif" />

When the driving shaft 422 is rotated counterclockwise (counter-clockwise 423), the driven shaft 420 rotates in the usual manner by contracting springs and engaging the inner clutch bearings 428 against an outer stop means such as a solenoid switch 444 having an activation lever 446 which, when energized in place, stops the driven shaft by engaging the forward advance pin 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 pawl 434 springs to the other side of the reversing pin 438 so that the driven shaft 420 is disconnected, and will only rotate when the solenoid switch 444 and lever 446 release the forward feed pin 442. |

Whenever the drive or driving axle 422;

is moved in the right-hand direction 425, the driven ®j® j 420 also begins to rotate to the right as soon as the claw !

i 434 stumble or cooperate in contact with the reversing pin i

438. Thus, the two-way clutch 114 can be activated;

^: ' 1 simply in one or the other direction of rotation of the axis i I ; conductor.¹

Now let's refer to Figs. 6 and 6A, which best represent the electrical circuits.^:^: The circuit breaker panel 445, also shown in Fig. 1, has several individual circuit breakers designated, as can be seen, by the corresponding circled number also shown in Fig.

26.12.1968

- 47 5

<img file="ES358688A1_D0047.tif" />

Fig. 6. The circled numbers indicate push-button type circuit breakers, which pop up or jump out when an overload occurs, setting off an acoustic alarm by means of which the operator can quickly locate the fault by disconnecting the control panel. Thus, a power input is provided at 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 branch 2 is a 115 volt alternating current circuit, circuit 3 is a 48 volt direct current supply, circuit 4 is the supply to a 450 air compressor (figs. 2 and 3) that supplies air for various machine functions, circuit 5 is for the !

various bath heaters 218, 242 and 244, circuit 6 goes to drying heaters 154, circuit 7^is for calculator 400, circuit 8 goes to the endless belt conveyor 22, circuit 9 is for the sample distributor assembly 30, circuit 10 goes to the tube washing and general washing valves, circuit 11 is for the drain time regulator and drain motor (not shown), circuit ¡ is for the reagent distribution solenoids 324, circuit 13 goes to the reading equipment^zh4 already!

photocells 382, circuit 14 to recorder 386 and circuit 15 is the DC power supply;

at 12 volts for the 404 lamp failure relays and ' !

for the exciter lamps 377·

The push-button panel 399 (fig. 1) is best seen in figs. 60 to 62 inclusive, and includes a plu- i

26.12.1968

- 48 i

<img file="ES358688A1_D0048.tif" />

'validity of vertical rows 452 of indicator lights and push buttons, each row corresponding to a transversal 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 for each row, which when pressed indicate that it is

the test is scheduled, in that longitudinal row, for a specific sample. In addition to the ten individual discretionary program pushbuttons selected, each row includes a button 454 designated α, which indicates that a profile of all ten tests is to be performed with that sample, and also includes a release pushbutton 456 (R) for disengaging or releasing all of the buttons pressed in that particular row 452 in case of an error or in the event that it is desired to modify or change the tests.

II scheduled. In addition, 460 position numbering lights and 453 indicator lights are provided to indicate the status of the tests in that particular row 452. The

panel push buttons 399 are connected to a fixed section or stationary box 462 of the calculator 400.

Yo^;

Panel 399, the example indicated, has sixty i^: buttons in the horizontal rows, so that sixty samples can be programmed for the various tests programmed in the device.

The calculator 400 is best seen in Figs. 6 to 66 inclusive, and includes a sweep section 464 connected to a spindle drive 466, which is in turn connected to a sweep frame clutch 463 driven by a motor 470 to control the relative position of^:

26.12.196

- Ζιθ _

<img file="ES358688A1_D0049.tif" />

the mobile section 464 with respect to a fixed section 462.

The sweep box motor 460 activates and advances the sweep box 464 in synchronism with the advance of the conveyor 22, so that the information entered into the programmer 399 is suitably transmitted to the appropriate function controls, whereupon the sweep box then transmits information, for example, about the tests to be performed, 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 34 has to collect (which^:also depends on the number of tests to be performed with each sample), and supplies the appropriate reagents, which¹which also depends on the tests that have been programmed. For example, stationary frame 462 corresponds to and is electrically connected to panΔ 399. It is

J say, table 462 will include ten rows of sixty A i

terminals or pins 463 connected to corresponding push buttons on panel 399. Now, the sweep box 464 will need a number of pin terminals 465 corresponding to the number of push buttons on panel 399.

I test tubes on the conveyor (twenty in the !

(the example given) in which discretionary functions can be programmed and executed. Thus, as the scanning frame 464 advances in front of the stationary frame 462, its pins or lugs 465, which are

preferably have spring loading, as illustrated in^:Fig. 66, move against the terminals 463 and collect the programmed information, transmitting it to the various systems that execute the different stages of the

<img file="ES358688A1_D0050.tif" />

chemical tests on the twenty stations or work stations (fig. 4). As the sample being tested travels through twenty possible work stations on the conveyor belt,

Transport 22, from sample supply to sample readout, sweep box 464 signals to the various systems that a particular function is to be performed in a particular cycle. As before!

• z !

It would indicate - or, the information sent from the sweep box includes data about: whether more samples have been scheduled; in which longitudinal rows samples are to be distributed or supplied; which reagents are to be added¹ at a given cost; and operate indicator lights ¡i¡ on program box 399 to indicate j^: what are the samples in progress, what tests are going to be read and when the reading function is going to be performed.

Thus, the 400 calculator will repeat each machine cycle until it detects or discovers that there is no more programming.

At this point, the 464 scan frame will return to the '_: zero position, the main time relay 272 s will stop running and the device will be put under control;

of the final wash time regulator 27S, studied;

in relation to fig. 34. '

Now, in addition to the sixty rows of contacts 463, as the apparatus 20 is a continuous cyclic work apparatus and as the panels are physically constructed in a linear manner, the stationary panel 462 will include another twenty rows of contacts_:463 electrically balanced with the first twenty¹ rows of contacts of the stationary panel 462, so that the linear panel can function as a switch

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0051.tif" />

ις

X rotary; although, of course, a rotary box may be used in place of boxes 462 and 464, picking up the information programmed in the first twenty rows of buttons 463 as the scanning box 464 passes over the first contacts. During operation, the first position of the scanning box 464 will advance from_:from the zero position to the eightieth position of the stationary frame; then the inverter 416 of the scanning frame will come into action, returning it to the twenty-first position on the stationary frame;

! and will continue to advance it between position eighty ! and position twenty-one until programming ceases.

I ! The scanning box 464 will then return to the zero position. The reagent selection box 113 will i3uotra¹in Figure 64, where interconnecting jumpers or cables are provided to activate the various reagent solenoids 324¡ at the appropriate position on the conveyor. In addition, the scanning panel transmits information to the read time regulator i, to control the reading and recording functions. The reagent selection panel 113 includes rows 119 of receptacles connected to the electric solenoids 324, and to . The tests being programmed in the apparatus in Figure 2 require sixteen reagents and solenoids, so^;which requires sixteen receptacles in the rows: 119a. In addition, as seventeen possible tube positions are foreseen for each test, in which they can be:

I distribute reagents, the reagent selection box 113 includes seventeen rows 121a of ten receptacles ? in connection with the reagent distribution pins

26.12.1968 ; i which is in the sweep box 464. Therefore, to organize and adjust the device, several ΐ i are connected!

125 jumper cables, which are not represented!

entirety, from the reactive solenoid receptacles of rows 119a to the appropriate receptacle of put-:

**” 1 i to reagent from rows 121a, so that when you arrive!

í i ί the scan box 464 to that particular station is ¡ ¡ activated the appropriate reagent solenoid to deliver that reagent to the appropriate test tube 24. ¡

Referring again to Figure 6, push buttons 472, 474 and 402 are provided to start and stop the apparatus 20. Button 472 is the stop or disconnect button, to stop the entire apparatus.

Button 474 is the standby button, and is activated before actuating the start button 402. The standby button 474, when activated, activates the magnetic contactor j

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 puts it into operation!

!

action of the main time regulator 272, which in turn starts the automatic chemical analysis.

Yo

Referring now to Figure 65, there is shown a functional or batch electrical diagram of the functional controls of the present invention. As previously indicated, the desired tests to be performed are programmed in the program button panel 599, thus providing discretionary control over the chemical tests to be performed on each sample. The samples have also been classified

on sample table 52, in the sample containers^:

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0052.tif" />

yo

46, and the wait button 474 (figure 6) is activated to bring the various heating baths to their appropriate temperature, the activation of the start or operation button 402 (figure 6) activates the main time regulator 272, which transmits a signal to the programmed panel 599, and to the calculator that includes the stationary panel 462 and the mobile sweep panel 464.

From the scan box 464 information is sent to the sample selection control 115, nara! ' 'i ¡ its storage, The selection control 115 transmits a_:

I signal to the valve 70 of the carriage arm and puts into action the suction time regulator 118, by means of the carriage control 116. In addition, the selec- control 115

The sample collection unit 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 car. From control 116 of the car it is sent

a sign₃1 clutch 76 of the car, to activate the engine;

t of the carriage (figure 16) and move the pick-up needle yij

distribution 62 pox· above the collection post of the test tube table 32. How it is described in more detail · i

In relation to figure 16, needle 62 enters cup 46 and aspirates the programmed amount of sample; the i

The timing regulator 122 reverses the distributor clutch 114; the needle rises; it returns; to introduce into the sample cup 46 a segment of the ί

i sample or test tube; arm 66 of the carriage moves back by 1;

• above the row of test tubes 24; and the timing regulator 122 stops at each of them.

26.12.1968

- 54- 'JODI

<img file="ES358688A1_D0053.tif" />

the 26 longitudinal rows of programmed tubes and distributes a serum sample to them.

In addition, the sweep panel 464 transmits information to the reagent selection panel 113 to activate the reagent solenoid valves 324 and deliver a metered amount of the appropriate reagent to the appropriate station in the cycle.

Yo

The scanning frame 464, which receives the programmed information from the stationary frame 462, activates the reading time regulator 574, which controls the raising and lowering of the reading block 342, to aspirate the filling and ejection assembly 349 thereof and to eject it again after the reading tests have been concluded. The reading time regulator 374 also controls the recorder time regulator 410, cue!

In turn, it scans each of the programmed tests and records them on recorder 386. During each cycle,

The main time controller 272 sends signals ¡ to the belt conveyor 22, which is advanced, and ¡ gives signals for the transmission of the programmed information ¡ to the function circuits and for the start ¡ of the functions; it gives programming or deactivation signals ¡ i

vaccination^;;and the control buttons when finished!

And each individually programmed sample activates a control i

of advance 414 to advance the scanning frame to the programmed signals for the next row of programmed tests; sends a signal to the tube washing assembly 277, to wash the drained or emptied tubes; and also sends a signal to the test table 32, which advances.

26.12.1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0054.tif" />

26.12

Οί ' f%iSi I _ ·»>< ti

Naturally, it is important that the transport-^:belt conveyor 22, the rotating sample feed table 52 and the scanning frame 464 are synchronized in relative position at all times, to ensure that the appropriate sample is taken from the sample feed table and supplied to the corresponding cross row of tubes of the conveyor 22, and that the working functions are in synchronism.

Thus, with reference to Figure 67, a timing switch 479 may be positioned to measure the position to which the conveyor 22 has advanced, driven, for example, by a worm gear 431 connected to one of the chain sprockets of the conveyor 22. Thus, as the conveyor advances one row of pipes, the timing switch 479 is rotated to indicate the position of the conveyor 22. Similarly, another synchronization switch 480 (two-layer biscuit switch) is placed in position i

connected to the turntable 32 to determine the rotational position of the table. And the synchronization switches 479 and 4-80 are connected in series through the calculator 400 comprising the scanning box 464,

I to ensure that the feed table 32, the conveyor 22, and the stationary frames 462 and the sweep frame 464 are in synchronism, before continuing with the next test sequence.

The present invention is therefore well suited to carrying out the objects and attaining the aforementioned ends and advantages, as well as others inherent therein. Although a description has been given

- 56 .poor

QUALITY, 1968

<img file="ES358688A1_D0055.tif" />

From the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, for purely illustrative purposes, numerous changes and variations in the details of construction and arrangement of parts will occur to those skilled in the art, all of which fall within the spirit of the invention and the purposes of the claims that follow.

This application, which corresponds to the one filed in the United States of America on June 14, 1968, under number 737·°65, is entitled to the benefits of Article 51 of the current Industrial Property Statute.