Automated chemical testing apparatus

The present invention relates to various improvements to an automated apparatus for chemical testing in which a conveyor is arranged for transporting and recycling a plurality of rows of specimens from one position to another in which is arranged a program control board for selecting all combinations or any combination of various tests · of each sample, tests which are carried out automatically, the results recorded, and the components are recycled for continuous operation.

An improvement to the present apparatus provides for a conveyor belt comprising a plurality of very rigid blades arranged transversely and each blade comprising .openings for securely supporting a row of test pieces being halfway with their ends outside the conveyor, the open ends of the test specimens facing upwards above the top part of the conveyor and the closed ends of the test specimens emerging under the upper strip of the conveyor whence. chemical tests can be carried out in the test pieces of the upper part of the strip as they are indexed, towards various positions, and or the test pieces will be inverted and emptied of their content · when the conveyor is set in motion by which the test pieces will be upside down to be cleaned.

Another object of the present invention provides a heating means for the test pieces arranged inside the strip and movable upwards to heat the bottom of at least some of the. The aforementioned test pieces arranged on the upper part of the strip, and movable downwards to allow the conveyor to rotate, and a drying means for the test specimens placed outside the conveyor.

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- 3 inwards of the test pieces to dry the test pieces and mobile out of the test pieces to allow the transpoteur to turn, and the use of a mechanical articulation which automatically synchronizes the indexing movement of the conveyor with the lowering and raising of the means heating of test pieces and retraction and extension of the means for drying test pieces ·, and at most comprises a means for clutching the conveyor to allow the conveyor to index only a predetermined distance, and a locking means engaging the conveyor for locking the conveyor in position between the indexing movements.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved means for distributing test samples in test tubes which comprises a rotary table for samples supporting the test samples a conduit for collecting and distributing connected to a channel, filled with with a cylinder-piston assembly connected to the channel for suction. a sample from the sample table and to dispense portions of the sample within programmed test tubes with a threaded screw that sets the assembly in motion to precisely control the amount of sample that has been taken or distributed, and comprising a piston and cylinder connected to the channel to create air cushions in the channel in order to reduce any dilution or contamination effect on the samples distributed, and in addition comprises a cleaning means for washing with water the cleaning means through the duct and channel to reduce the. possibility of contamination between test samples.

The most characteristic of the present invention consists of a measuring means for injecting the reagents into the test pieces which comprises a cylinder and a piston.

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- 4 _ arranged between two one-way check valves these check valves include frosted glass valves to provide a positive tight seal and which are inert to the reagents and in which the flow path of the dispensing means is directed in the reagents at an angle to the axis of the test pieces to create a desired mixing action between the reagent and the content of the test pieces, and in which a control means is freely connected to the piston in a transverse direction to avoid misalignment of the piston and the cylinder.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a means of identification by optics in which a plurality of containers having elongate passageways can be introduced therein and the content of the test tubes drawn into the containers. and in which the identifier by optics analyzes'. in the order of arrival the containers and the results of the tests are suitably recorded, and in which the suction is provided by a cylinder and piston in which the containers are drained after the tests and are further cleaned by a vigorous blow of air to obtain a low residual surface factor which reduces the deposits to insignificant chemical levels , and a serpentine passage is provided in the container to prevent aspiration of samples from the containers.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system.

optical identification in which a phosphated glass lens is used to reduce the heat receptivity of the light source to adversely affect the results of the identifier, and a filter is placed \ £ between the container and the light measuring device, ^ / \ A: Ï t · .S there, spacing the filter from the light source and reducing the unfavorable effect of heat on the filter.

Another object in addition to the present invention is to provide a computer programmed control system to provide discretionary and selective control of the tests carried out on each sample which includes a programmed selection control board having an actuation switch. for each test piece to selectively program the chemical tests to be carried out on each sample and in which the computer comprises a first, contact panel electrically connected to the control panel and a second mohly indexed control panel relating to the first control panel in synchronization with the transporter and electrically connected to and controlling the means of distributing samples. The means for injecting the reagents and the means for identifying when the second table indexes relative to the first table and the actuation switches. Of the first table are electrically connected to the second table, and in addition comprises a selection table reagents having a plurality of position receptacles corresponding to each possible position for injecting the reagents into the test pieces, and electrical connections for selectively connecting each of the position receptacles to the desired means of injecting reagents.

The description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, will make it clear how the invention can be implemented, the features which emerge both from the drawings and from the text, of course, forming part of said invention.

Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a λ preferred design apparatus of the present invention, β

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FIG. 2 schematically represents the front of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically represented the rear of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows in elevation an example of a plurality of test pieces showing the positions of the sample entry stations, the reagent stations, the heating stations, the identification stations and indicating the types of possible tests. that can be done.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevation view of the conveyor of the present apparatus transporting the test pieces, and also indicating possible washing and drying stations of the test pieces.

Figure 6 is an electrical diagram showing the power to the various components of the device.

Figure 6A is. a view of the circuit breaker table.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary elevational view partially in section, illustrating the components of the sample removal and distribution device 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 taken along the line IO7IO of Figure 9 ·

Figure 11 is a view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 9 · 'Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of the operation of the vehicle and the carriage removal arm shown' in a position of distribution.

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- 7 Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 12 showing the transport carriage and its arm in a position for removing a sample.

Figure 14 is a schematic elevational view, partially in section, illustrating the hydraulic assembly for the removal and distribution of samples.

Figure 15 is a view taken along the line 15-15 in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a schematic view of the operation and control of the removal and distribution assembly 'of the present apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary view of the assembly in elevation of the endless conveyor supporting and transporting the test pieces.

Figure 18 is a view taken along the line

18-18 of Figure 17.,

Figure 19 is a view taken along the line

19-19 of Figure 17 ·

Figure 20 is a view taken along the line

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FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the articulation mechanism for setting in motion driving the endless conveyor ··;, the heating baths the means for drying the test pieces of this device.

FIG. 22 is an elevational view, in partial section, of the articulation mechanism for setting in motion for indexing the conveyor, raising and lowering the baths of the heating means, and for the extension and retraction of the drying means test tubes, and representing the articulation mechanisms in their first and second '

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FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing the articulation mechanisms for setting in motion in their fourth and fifth position.

Figure 24 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation, partially in section, illustrating the operation of the pawl for the engagement of the toothed wheel of the conveyor and shown in its first and second position.

Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 24 illustrating the position of the indexing pawl and its third, fifth and sixth position. .

Figure '26 is a fragmentary elevational view, partially in section, of the indexing pawl of Figure

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and 25.

Figure 2? is an enlarged elevation view of part of the conveyor illustrating construction details.

Figure 28 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view illustrating a method for fixing the test pieces to the conveyor blades.

Figure 29 is a fragmentary sectional view of the conveyor of the present apparatus illustrating the position of the heating baths relative to the test pieces.

Figure 30 is a view taken along line 30-30 of Figure 29.

Figure 31 is a schematic view of the water connections to the water heating baths.

Figure 32 is an enlarged elevational view, taken

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Figure 35 is a perspective view of the assembly

Figure 34 is a schematic view of the system of ^ y

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Figure 35 is an enlarged fragmentary view in elevation, partially in section, schematically illustrating the connections of the reagent distribution assembly.

Figure 36 is an enlarged elevational view, in section, illustrating the lower part of one of the reagent measurement assemblies.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged view in sectional elevation of the upper part of the assembly and distribution of the reagents of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged and fragmentary perspective view of the connection of the supports for the flow path of the reagent distribution assembly at a position above the reagent tubes.

Figure 39 is an enlarged and fragmentary elevation view, in section, showing the position of the flow path of a reagent distribution assembly relative to the test piece.

Figure 40 is an enlarged elevational view of the identification assembly.

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in the containers the container of the test pieces.

Figure 44 is an enlarged and fragmentary elevational view, in section, of the entire cylinder and piston ·· for 1¹ suction and expulsion, standing test tubes in 9 ÎÀ / B t

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Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 45 illustrating the movement of the cylinder relative to the piston to drain the containers.

Figure 46 is a view similar to Figure 44 showing the relationship of the cylinder and the drain port relative to the piston for draining the containers.

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Figure 53 is an electrical and mechanical diagram of the identification system.

Figure 54 est. A mechanical and electrical diagram of the mechanical operation of the test set.

Figure 55 is a mechanical-electrical diagram of the optical identification system of this device.

Figure 56 is an enlarged and fragmentary view in elevation, partially in section, illustrating the assembly of the two-way clutch used in the present device.

Figure 57 is a view taken along line 57-57 &amp; e in Figure 56. m

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Figure 59 is a view taken along the 'line

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

Figure 61 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the program control panel illustrating the actuation switches and the indicative lights.

• Figure 62. is a section taken along line 62-62 of Figure 61.

Figure 63 is an overall diagram of the control system of the present invention.

Figure 64 is a fragmentary and enlarged view in elevation, partially in section, showing the mechanical structure of the computer of the present apparatus.

FIG. 65 is a section showing fixed and mobile tables of the computer of the present invention showing the mode for indexing one relative to the other.

Figure 66 is an enlarged section taken along line 66-66 of Figure 65 ·

FIG. 67 represents an electrical diagram of the synchronization circuit of this device.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figures 1 to 5, the automated chemical testing apparatus or the apparatus for continuous discretionary multiple analysis of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 20 and generally comprises (1) an endless belt or belt conveyor 22 which transports a plurality of rows of open containers upwards or test tubes 24 in which the various rows y / - 12. '' &lt;: - Vf -&gt; / 4

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separate longitudinal 26 represent different chemical tests which can be carried out at the same time as each separate transverse row 28 is prepared to receive a single individual sample on which the various tests can be carried out and while the transporter 22 is continuously indexed transporting the test pieces 24 along various stations where various ^ .phases of chemical tests are carried out, (2) a JO assembly for distributing samples which may include a rotary table 32 indexing to hold the samples to be tested and an apparatus for collecting and distributing 34 'to collect the required quantity of the sample from the indexing table 32 and to distribute each sample in a simple transverse row 28 of test pieces 24 in desired quantities and for the scheduled tests, (3) a dispensing assembly 36 for the reagents which may include a large number of reagent containers 38 connected to the metering distribution units 40 which are in turn connected to the flow paths positioned above the test tubes 24 to the "

desired position or at the station on the conveyor 22 for dispensing the reagents in the exact order and at the exact station in the tests being carried out, (4) suitable heating means 42 which is arranged to heat the test pieces 24 at the desired stations while the test pieces 24 are indexed along the conveyor 22 as required by the chemical tests being carried out, (J) an identification or test assembly 44 for analyzing the results of the chemical tests being carried out, (6) cleaning means for cleaning the test pieces 24 after the tests in a particular transverse row 28 have been completed, (7) drying means for test pieces //

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For example, the apparatus 20 will be described on the fly to perform a multiple number of blood serum tests, although, of course, the present apparatus can also be used for a multiple discretionary variety of blood tests. continuous chemistry that can be performed in one. specimen. By way of example only, and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of ten longitudinal rows 26 of sixty test pieces 24 each are supported and continuously indexed by the conveyor 22. As will be described more fully below, a test sample will be distributed in one or more of the ten test pieces in a single transverse row 28 and while the transverse row 28 is indexed, will be placed at the various reaction positions or stations where the desired chemistry for the various tests carried out in the individual longitudinal rows 26 will be carried out such as heating, mixing and addition of reagents to carry out the desired chemical analysis, as per. example 'only, as recorded in Figure 4 together with the individual longitudinal rows' after which the horizontal rows will reach the identification station which will analyze and record the measured values. After the end of the identification, as seen in FIG. 5, the test pieces 24 are inverted, drained of their content and pass through one or more washing stations and at least one drying station where they are returned to back to the sample entry position or station for recycling. AT

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- 14 Referring now: in FIGS. 7 to 16, the sample distribution assembly 50 comprises an apparatus for collecting and distributing 54 which has the function of transporting to the rotary indexing table 52 and of collecting a sample to be subjected to tests and advances above a transverse row 28 of test pieces 24 and at the same time injects a measured quantity of the sample into each of the test pieces 24 for which tests have been programmed. The rotary indexing table 52 as seen in FIGS. 7) 8, 9 and 16, and comprises a large number of containers 46 for samples which can be inserted in a large number of openings 48 which are regularly spaced in the round on the indexing table 52.

A water cooling jacket 50 can be placed under the indexing table 52 as seen in Figures 7&gt; 8 and 9 having an inlet 52 and a flow path 54 to provide a temperature-controlled medium for the test samples in the receptacles 46 so that they are not inadvertently affected by the temperature and particularly by the heat generated by the components of the apparatus 20. A motor 58 for the rotary indexing table drives the table 52 via a gearbox 58 at periodic intervals to index the sample containers 46 individually to a control system which will be described further - more fully below: ·. '

The apparatus 54 for removing and distributing comprises a conduit for removing and distributing such as the needle 62 which is transported by a carriage 64 which in turn is movable on the arm of the carriage 66 and supported by this same arm which his turn is supported for a pivoting movement / / [λ 'y-

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- 15 - z around one end, as seen in FIGS. 7, 8, 9,

10, 13 and 16, from where the removal and distribution conduit or the needle 62 can be moved over the sample container 46 on the indexing table 32 in the removal position, as shown by the dotted outline of Figure 7 ”. to remove a sample to be tested after which the arm of the carriage 66 is returned to the position shown in solid line in Figure 7, above a transverse row 28 of test pieces 24 to inject portions of the sample into the individual test pieces 24 for which the scheduled tests are to be carried out. '

As shown in Figures 7i 9, 12, 13 and 16, an air piston and cylinder 68 is connected to an arm 70, which in turn is connected to the arm 66 of the carriage to turn the arm 66 and thus the carriage 64 previously above the rotary indexing table 32 and, after a sample has been removed, retract the arm 66 of the carriage again into a position above a transverse row 28 of test pieces 24. The air supply for advancing and retracting the piston and cylinder assembly 68 and also the arm 66 of the carriage is supplied by an air valve 71 (FIG. 16).

The longitudinal movement of the carriage 64 along the arm 66 of the carriage is best seen in FIGS. 12, 13 and 16 in which a motor 72 of the carriage controls a pulley 74 by a clutch 76 to reverse the step which in turn advances in front, retracts and controls the position of the carriage along the arm 66 by a control cable 78 which passes around the idler pulleys 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88 and which is fixed to, block 9θ on the carriage 64 from where the position of the carriage / 64 along the arm 66 can be controlled by a connection, jiI

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- 16 disconnection and vice versa of the clutch 76 operation.

An overall view of the apparatus 34 for removing and distributing is shown in Figure 14 which includes a section 81 ^ for washing and for containing waste (Figures 9 "/ y '/ O

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11, 7, 14 and 16) in which the cup '81 has a flow path 83 for 1¹ removal of surplus fluid from the sample and a wash cup 85 is provided with a cleaning means or an inlet 87 for washing water for admission of a cleaning means such as water overflowing from the cup washing 85 in the waste cup 81 and out of the flow path. 83. As seen at best, in Figures 7.

· · J 9 section 81 / .washing and waste is arranged in line with a transverse row 28 of test specimens at the interior end of the arm 66. Since only one sample to be removed from the indexing table 32 should be dispensed into the test tubes 24 in a single transverse row in accordance with the scheduled tests, after which any excess sample 32 would be dispersed and a new sample should be collected from table 32 and dispersed in a different transverse row of test pieces, it is important that there is no unwanted contamination or mixing of one, sample with another sample, and in addition it is desirable that the dispersion of a single sample in the various test pieces of a transverse row is under the same conditions to avoid variations in the samples distributed in the various test pieces, such as for example those which could be caused by dilution. Thus it is preferable, as best seen in Figure 10, to provide a -channel 89 connected to the removal and distribution conduit or a needle 62 which forms a portion of the removal and distribution apparatus 34 · Which is generally a closed water system such as water 91 followed by an air cushion 927 /¹6'

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A second cushion 94 comprising a portion of the sample to be subjected to testing, a second air cushion 96 followed by an additional aliquot sample and then the main sample 98 to be dispersed. For example only, ensuring that each of the tests to be performed requires a sample amount of 0.1 cc ,. the sample 94 can be 0.1 cc, and the main sample .98 can have a volume equal to the number of tests to be programmed times 0.1 cc plus an additional quantity of 0.2. Hence, while the air cushions 92 and 96 have the function of preventing mixing between water 91 and the main sample 98, the additional sample 94- and the additional aliquot sample collected from the table indexing 32 before distributing the samples in the test tubes 24- will wash the interior of the. channel 89 with the same product. before being distributed by this means reducing any tendency of the previously washed channel 8 · 9 to have, for example, a dilution effect on the main sample 98.

In order to provide the desired removal of the sample to be tested and distributed in the test tubes 24-, the apparatus 34- for removal and distribution, as best seen in Figure 14, includes a cylinder and piston 100 for removing and distributing samples, a set 102 cylinder and piston for washing with water a set 104. comprising an air piston and cylinder for raising and lowering a needle, an assembly 106 air piston and cylinder to create the air cushions in line 89.

As shown in Figure 14, the needle 62

Λ is in the bottom position having been controlled in the bottom position by the assembly 104 piston and cylinder when the needle 62 is lowered, the piston for washing with

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- 18 the water and the cylinder 102 is controlled back and forth by the washing motor 108 by a rotary arm 110 to draw water into the needle 62 and into the line 89 and to expel it from there and thereby cleaning the line 89 and the needle 62 when the fresh water flows through the water inlet 87 into the wash cup 85 and leaves through the flow path 85 for drainage. After needle 62 and driving. 89 are washed, the washing motor 108 is stopped, the assembly 104 piston and cylinder is set in motion to raise the needle 62 and the device 34 for removing and dispensing is then ready to be moved to the removal position of the sample above the indexing table 32 when the removal position is reached (Figures 7 and 13) the assembly 104 piston and cylinder is set in motion, to cause the movement of the needle down , transporting and moving -the piston 107 in the cylinder 106 thereby causing an air cushion 92 (Figure 10) to be sucked into line 89 and into the container 46 containing the sample which has been indexed to the removal position by table 32.

The assembly 100 'sucks a sample 94 in the pipe 89 by the rotation of an endless screw 116 by the (· motor 112 which moves the cylinder 118 relative to the piston 117 * The assembly piston and cylinder 104 is'' again set in motion to raise the needle 62. The assembly 100 and the assembly 104 is set in motion to lower the needle 62 to suck another air cushion 9θ in the line 89. The suction and distribution motor 112 operating by the reversing clutch 114 turns the worm 116 and thereby the cylinder 118 of the assembly 100 piston and suction and distribution cylinder to aspirate the programmed quantity / ^

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'. - 19 of sample. 98 in needle 62 and line 89. When the programmed quantity of sample is collected from a container 46 of samples, the motor 112 stops the piston assembly 104 is set in motion to raise the needle 62, the motor 112 is thereby reversed reversing the worm 116 to retract the cylinder 118 to dispense a segment of the sample 98 back into the section 98 for samples to ensure that the conditions for dispensing the samples in the test tubes 24 will all be similar. The arm 66 of the carriage is moved back over the transverse row 28 of test pieces 24 and the control system sets in motion the transport carriage 64 to place the needle 62 above the first test piece 24 which has been scheduled for testing. The reversing clutch 114 is set in motion and a quantity of measured sample is distributed in the test piece 24. The reversing clutch 114 is disengaged the carriage 64 is then moved to the next test piece 24 in the transverse row which has been programmed for testing, the reversing clutch 114 is again set in motion and a quantity measured sample is distributed in this test tube 24. The process of dispensing a measured amount of fluid sample into each of the test pieces 24, in a transverse row is continued until all of the scheduled tests have received a sample. After the last scheduled test has received a sample, the carriage 64 advances to the waste section 81 and the additional aliquot sample is distributed in section 8^:i of waste, the needle · is lowered and the washing cycle is carried out again.

Referring now to FIG. 16, we can better see the sequence of operation and control of the removal and distribution apparatus 39. // '

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The information is received in a control 115 for the selection of samples from the control system, which will be discussed more fully below ', as to which tests will be carried out and therefore in which longitudinal rows 26 of test pieces 24 l the sample to be tested will be distributed. On control signals 115 for selection of samples, an air valve 71 is set in motion in order to set in motion the air piston and the cylinder 68 to cause the arm 66 of the carriage to oscillate towards the table. .32 samples and 'at the same instant a signal is sent to control 119 of the carriage and to timer 121' of the suction · and the motor 72 of the carriage is set in motion by its clutch 76 and pulley 74 to advance the carriage 64 to the table 32 of samples. The clutch 76 of the carriage motor reverses and stops above the removal position on the table 32 and the air valve 120 is set in motion and in turn sets in motion the assembly 104 of the piston and cylinder for lowering the needle into the container 46 of the sample on the table 32. After the air cushion 92, the sample 94 and the air cushion 96 have been obtained, the motor 112 for suction and distribution is set in motion and removes the programmed quantity of sample, 112 distribution motor is then reversed, the air valve

120 is deactivated allowing the cylinder assembly 104 to raise the needle 62. A segment of the sample is redistributed in the sample cup and the arm 66 is replaced above the test tubes 24. The suction timer

121 starts a dispensing timer 122 when the carriage stops over a programmed test piece 24. The dispensing clutch 114 is set in motion and a ·_ζ measured quantity of the sample is distributed in the test-fa

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- 21 appropriate 24. The clutch 76 of the carriage is set in motion and the carriage 69 advances to the next programmed test piece where another sample is dispensed. The distribution process continues until all of the programmed test pieces have received a sample. The carriage 69 then advances towards the cut 81 of waste and washing. At this time the washing control 108 starts and the needle 62 and the line 89 are washed and filled with fresh water in preparation for the next cycle.

Se. Referring now to Figures 17 to 28, the construction, operation and function of a prepared form of the belt conveyor or endless belt 22 is best illustrated. Preferably, the conveyor 22 comprises a large number of individual rigid blades 123, each of which supports a transverse row 28 of test pieces 24, the blades 123 being fixed at each end to a chain 124 by screws 126 (FIG. 27), and the chains are in turn driven by toothed wheels 128, 130, 132 and 134 which are driven by axes 136 and 138 respectively. The rigid blades 12.J are advantageous in that while allowing the transporter to turn around the wheels, they hold on to it. safety of the test pieces in fixed positions.

Referring now to Figure 28 which best illustrates the method of inserting and aligning the test pieces 24 precisely into the individual blades 123 before the blades 12. ^ are connected to the chains. The blades 123 out a large number of openings of appropriate dimensions 140 to receive the test pieces 24 and are placed on a support 142 having a base 144 and the test pieces. 24 are inserted into the holes 140. The holes 146 are drilled in the blades 123_Λ

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the holes 146 against a resilient protector 150 which prevents the test pieces 24 from being broken when the screw 148 is inserted. Hence, the test pieces 24 are all held in place.

identical vertical positions relative to the blades 12.3 and are securely fixed in order to prevent further slipping · relative · to the blades 123 ”and to be misaligned.

The conveyor 22 is periodically indexed by a predetermined distance, such as a transverse row of test pieces, to advance the test pieces 24 from one position or station to the next so that the appropriate chemical tests can be carried out on the samples programmed at the station, time and particular sequence. Therefore, suitable means are provided to periodically index the conveyor 22 by a predetermined distance. However, since some of the other functions to be performed on the test pieces 24 require close collaboration with the test pieces, these functions may require synchronization with the movement of the conveyor 22. For example, heat may be required during the processing of the chemical tests being performed in the test tubes 24 and the preferred embodiment provides a heating means 42 which may include one or more heating baths to meet the requirements of the Chemical analysis. In addition a suitable drying means 152 is provided which may include a plurality of individual electric heaters 54 connected to the mounting 186 of the drying heater for insertion into the test pieces 24 to dry them after being washed. Since '· these components during their functional operation act together with the test pieces 24 so as to prevent the indexed advance of the conveyor .22, these components are synchronized with the movement of the conveyor 22 |

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to allow the displacement of the test pieces 24 from one station to another.

Thus, referring to FIGS. 19 to 26, an assembly 156 of air supply and piston is provided for supplying the force to retract the means 42 for heating the test pieces and the drying means 152 for the test pieces, indexing the conveyor 22 of a predetermined amount, and again advancing forward the means 42 for heating the test pieces and the means 152 for drying the test pieces in their functional position. Referring to Figures 20 to 23, a structure 158 for supporting a heating bath is provided which generally comprises supports 160, 162, 164 and 166 connected together by articulation members 168, 170 and 172 supported by them. axes 179 and -176. The couplings 178 and 180 for setting in motion the drying means are connected to the couplings 182 and 184 respectively which in turn are connected to the assembly 186 of the drying heater. These couplings 178 and 180 are connected by a rod 175 to the coupling 177 which advances and retracts the assembly 186 of the drying heater. The coupling 177 is connected by a rod 179 to the lever 204 and set in motion by the lever 204 for free movement.

A stop pawl is connected to an arm 190 which is connected to the axle 176 so that the stop pawl 188 can release the toothed wheel 132 to allow the conveyor 22 to run and can engage the wheel again toothed 132 to hold the carrier 22 locked in position after being indexed.

A pin 192 · is connected to the assembly 156 of the piston and the supply air to deliver the force of .1¹ together 156.

An arm 194 serves to support the pin 192. A lever of?

control 196 is connected to the shaft 136 connecting the toothed wheel 128 / a

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can be indexed in the preferred embodiment, the V:

heating baths efc the mounting 186 of the drying heater must be retracted behind the test pieces 24 so as not to interfere with their movement. A free movement lever 204 having a free movement notch 206 is connected to the axis 174 and receives the control rod 192 in the notch 206. Thus the lever 204 will not move with the control rod 192 until that the control rod 192 • ï I · engages one end or the other of the movement notch. t 'libre 206. However, the free movement of the notch 206 is less than the free movement of the arm 198 so that in the whole 156 of the reverse travel there rod 192 meshes with the rear end 207 of the arm 204 of the notch 206 * i 'the rotary shaft 174 as well as the retracting arm 177 · ha rotation of the axis 174 clockwise ï lowers the supports 160-166 of the reheating and so the 4;

reheating baths are released from the test pieces 24. The withdrawal of the arm 177 displaces the couplings 178-184 and moves the test pieces'24 from the mounting 186 of the drying heater to the rear. j.

During the control stroke of the assembly 156, the rod 192 and the lever 198 move the lever 196 thereby indexing; 'the belt 22. However, the control rod 192 is free / Λ κ fy

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In the standby position (first position) the pawl 208 is retained disengaged from the teeth of the toothed wheel 139 by a spring 214 between the pawl 208 and the arm 212 causing the pawl 208 to engage a stopper 216 disposed on the arm 212. However, when the control cylinder 156 retracts thus lowering them. heating baths and shrinking the drying heaters the rotation of the axis 176 forces the end of the pawl 208 to engage with the tooth of the toothed wheel I34 (FIG. 24). A continuation of the rotation of the,;

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- 26 the axis 176 causes the end of the pawl to fully engage, with the tooth of the toothed wheel (figure 25 third position) As the control cylinder 156 moves during the control stroke and indexes the belt 22 the toothed wheel 134 will therefore turn the pawl to the fifth position. As shown in FIG. 25, at the same time the pawl 208 will engage the stopper 215 on the arm 212 by this avoiding subsequent rotation of the toothed wheel 134 and the carrier 22.

Referring now to FIG. 23, stopping the rotation of the toothed wheels and of the conveyor 22 by locking the pawl 208 causes the arm 198 of free movement to be released from the control lever 196 when the notch 200 thanks to its rounded rear stop emerges from the stop stop 202 and returns to the first position (FIG. 22).

After the conveyor 22 is stopped and therefore indexed in a new position, a continuation of the control stroke of the control assembly 156 causes the drive rod I92 which is then moved by the notch 206 of free movement d '' engage the end 209 of the notch 206 and move the lever 204 of free movement to rotate the axis 174 causing the supports 160-166 of the heating baths to move upwards, moving the heating elements to engage with the test pieces which are in the newly indexed position, the movement of the lever 204 simultaneously moves the arm 117 and the couplings 178 and 180 which in turn displace the couplings 182 and 184 to move the drying heating block to the new row of test pieces 24 in the drying position where the individual heaters 154 are introduced into the test pieces to perform the drying function. La.rotation of axis 176 of • same // ')

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- 27 causes the rotation of the arm I90 and stop 188 to engage with the teeth of the toothed wheel 152 therefore retaining the conveyor 22 in a locked position. Also, the rotation of the axis 176 by moving the coupling 178, as shown in FIG. 25, displaces the locking pawl 208 out of position five in position six or in its original standby position. figure 24).

While the form of the heating means 42 for heating the test pieces 24 to the temperatures necessary for carrying out the "chemical analysis must of course depend on the chemical tests to be carried out, a form ¹ is shown in Figures 29, 50, 51 "55 and 59 to meet the heating requirements of the tests recorded as programmed on the. Figure 4. Thus a heating shelf 217 is provided to support a PBI (protein bound iodine) (electric protein iodine) electric heater 218 to provide a temperature of about 250 ° C to stations 4-8 in the longitudinal row in which PBI tests (iodine protein seal) are performed · (Figure 4) ·, a water bath 220 is provided for a medium at a temperature of 57 ° O, and a water bath 222 is provided to create a medium at a temperature 80 ° 0. The shelf 217 * of the heater is supported by the structure 158 supporting the heating bath (FIG. 21) which are together engaged with the axes 179 and 176 so that they can slide using sliding guides 224 and 226, and are engaged, raised and lowered by the supports 160-166 · as indicated previously. Referring now to FIG. 55, the heater 218 of PBI '(iodine-protein seal) can be an electric heater having a large number of openings 228 to contain the test pieces 24 when the stove 218 is lifted and includes a large number 250 electrical disconnections suitable for / 7 /

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{'• / • Ί supply the current necessary for heating.

The water from baths 220 and 222 and circulated by means of pumps 246 and 298 respectively by heating elements 242 and 244 located in the tanks 243 and 245 respectively. The temperature of baths 220 and 222 is controlled by an appropriate means of controlling the heating elements. The water for baths 220 and 222 is supplied by line 232, bypass lines 239 and 236 and controlled by valves 238 and 240 respectively. The excess water in the baths 220 and 222 flows into overflows 250 and 252 respectively which empties into a sump 254 which has a flow path 256 through which the drain water flows.

Referring to FIG. 5, it has previously been indicated that when the conveyor is indexed, and after the end of the chemical analysis the test pieces 24 are inverted by this, emptying of their content, and are then washed 'in preparation to be recycled.

Referring now to Figure 52, the washing lines 258, 260 and 262 are provided having spray nozzles 264, 266 and 268, respectively for directing a jet of sprayed washing water to various stations in the test tubes 24 and on the blades 12. for washing and cleaning the

test tubes and the transporter. The content of the test pieces 24 'and the sprinkling water are collected in a sump 259 * for evacuation.

. himself^- Referring now to Figure 34, a main timer 272 is provided as part of the control circuit which will be described more fully below, which after the tests have been scheduled controls the indexing rotary table 32 as well as controlling the air valve 274 which / in turn controls the assembly 156 of the control air piston //./

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which drives the transporter 22. After the last of the scheduled tests is complete, the main timer 272 is interrupted and at this instant sets in motion the timer 276 for washing the end piece which continues to index and set in motion the assembly 156 of command to index the conveyor 22 for a predetermined number of cycles ensuring that all the test pieces are washed and cleaned.

Referring now to Figures 135 to 39 ₅ the reagent distribution assembly 36 in which the various reagents required for the various chemical tests are provided in receptacles 36 for reagents and are withdrawn from there by 40 measured distribution units and distributed in the test tubes. 24 at, positions or appropriate stations and in the appropriate quantities to perform the desired scheduled tests. Preferably, the measured dispensing units 40 include a 2/8 glass cylinder, a Teflon piston 280. To withdraw a measured quantity of reagent from the container 38 which is connected by a first stop valve 282 and dispenses the measured quantity of reagent by a second stop valve 284 to a test tube 24. It is desirable that the components of the reagent distribution assembly 36 be glass, Teflon or other inert material which can withstand and support prolonged use with the chemical reagents used. The stop valve, 282 is connected by a line 286 to one of the receptacles 38 of reagents and generally comprises a chamber 288 having a seat, of valve 240 ′ in frosted glass in communication with the line 286 and an element 242 of glass valve preferably a cylindrical element. A second fluid line 294 leads from the chamber 288 into the interior of the cylinder 278 to withdraw the reagent from the container 38 in the cylinder 2? 8 during the 'suction stroke of / ^ i'.

· Γ 'Ί' Bi wteè '??' ”'?; © / • i: · 'piston. 280. A passage bypass notch 296 is provided · • at the edge of the outlet of the chamber 288 having a length longer than the width of the element 292 to ensure that the pipe 294 remains open during the suction stroke of the piston 280 so that the reagent can be withdrawn from line -286, through chamber 288, and through line 294 and cylinder 278. However, when the piston 280 is in its dispensing stroke, the valve member 292 is forced into contact with the seat 290 of frosted glass providing a positive seal to seal and prevent any return of reagent through line 286 in the container 38 and on the other hand force it out of line 298 and through the stop valve 284 into a test tube 24. The structure of the stop valve 284 is similar to that of the stop valve 282. Thus during the suction stroke of the piston 280, a measured amount of fluid flows through the first shut-off valve 282 while the second shut-off valve 284 is closed. During the distribution stroke of the piston 280 the first stop valve 282 is closed and the second stop valve 284 opens allowing the fluid to be distributed by the fluid line 298 to a test tube 24.

The Teflon piston 280 includes first and second flanges 300 302, which maintain a seal with the glass cylinder 278. The collar 303 serves to align the piston 280 and the piston rod 304 in the cylinder 278.

As shown in FIG. 37, a T-shaped groove 306 is provided in the end of the piston rod 304 serving. link to a set of setting. movement and adapting to the engagement of a T-shaped head 308- (Figure 38). The T-groove 306 thus provides a connection with play with the head t

wo '4ί &amp; Γ-Ν' W •. •.-TV·; y 'Βγ' in T 308 in a transverse direction such that if the head in

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- 51 Τ 308 is not precisely aligned with the piston rod 304 there will be enough transverse play in the connection such that the piston 280 will remain aligned in the cylinder 278 and will not get stuck in the cylinder 278 or breaks the glass cylinder 278 due to misalignment when the piston moves back and forth in the cylinder.

Referring now to Figure 36, the power source for the reciprocating movement of the piston 280 in the cylinder 278 to dispense the reagent. May be an air piston and a cylinder and piston 310 assembly in which an air inlet 312 directs air to one side of a piston 314 to move the rod 316 and thus the T-head 308 connected to the piston rod 304. A spring 318 is provided operating between a stop 320 and the piston 314 to move the piston 314 in a suction direction. An outlet orifice 322 is provided to limit the flow of outlet air during the suction stroke in order to limit the rate of the suction speed for the meter distribution unit 40 so as not to have an effect. on the reagent or damage the unit. An electrically operated valve 324 is provided for setting in motion the distribution unit 40 by the admission of air to the lower side of piston 314. The distance that the rod 316 and thus the piston 280 (Figure 37) moves during the dispensing stroke can be adjusted using a socket 328 which is locked in a position adjusted by a nut 350 to limit the amount of fluid drawn from the cylinder and dispensed from the cylinder 278. So,·; by the appropriate adjustment of the sleeve 328 the stroke of the piston 280 and thus the quantity of reagent measured can be precisely controlled. /

Referring now to Figure 35, a pipe (fö

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\ CX '"U.- 32 of output 332 is connected to each of the units 40 measured -distribution of the reagent to receive the measured quantity of reagent and to distribute it in the test-tube 24. Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the support bar · .334- of the distribution pipe is supported by the adjustable support 338 for the arrangement of the bar 334 above a transverse row 28 of test pieces 24. The bar '334 · comprises a large number of openings 338, each of which is directed in the top part of the test tube 24 arranged below, to support the exit end of the distribution pipe 332.

As shown in FIG. 39, it is preferred that the openings 338 are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the test pieces 24 so that the re-entrant reagent will be directed into a test piece 24 at an angle to the location adjacent the top of the rounded bottom of the test piece 24 to create a vortex when the reagent is dispensed therein to produce sufficient swirling of the mixture to thoroughly mix the reagent with the éÜ-minant sample thus, the additional need to shake or agitate the mixture to obtain the desired chemical reaction. ' Of course, a large number of support bars 334 are provided along the top of the transverse rows of test tubes 24 depending on the number and stations to which the reagents are to be dispensed and depends on the chemical tests being carried out by the apparatus.

As indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5, after the sample has been distributed in the test tubes 24, the reagents added to the particular stations during the test and suitably heated, the test tubes are indexed at an identification station in which the results of the test are analyzed such as by an optical identifier, / i

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- 53 Referring now to FIGS. 40 to 55, the identification assembly 44 is shown there, and more particularly in FIGS. 40 to 42 in which a plurality of containers 3404 · preferably matched · by optics are provided, one for each of the longitudinal rows 26, which are placed above the test pieces 24 at the identification station and which are aligned transversely and supported by a mobile support to the identification block 392 which in turn is supported by guides 344 at each end and connected to a rod piston 346 (FIGS. 40 and 42) which is connected to an assembly 348 air piston and cylinder for raising and lowering the identification block '392 for lowering the containers 340 into the test tubes 24 from where the fluid in the test pieces 24 can be drawn into the containers, analyzed by optics and drained back into test pieces 24 after which the assembly 348 piston and cylinder removes the block 342 for identifying test pieces 24 such that the conveyor 22 can be indexed and another group of test pieces brought to the identification station and then analyzed.

After the assembly 348 air piston and cylinder descends the identification block or support 342 downwards and the bottom ends of the containers 340 which preferably comprise an elongated pipe 341 are inserted into the test tubes 24 a control assembly 349 (Figures 41, 43, and 54) comprising an air piston for suction and expulsion is set in motion being connected by the piston rod 352 to a movable bar 350 which is supported at each end by sliding rods 354 and 356. The actuating bar 350 is connected to a plurality of individually arranged syringe pistons 358, one for each container 340, which

RB is sliding in a cylinder 360 with a pipe 362 7

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Referring now to Figure 44, it should be noted that when the syringe plunger 358 is retracted into the syringe barrel 360 'the seal of the plunger is not displaced past a drainage port 364 provided in the cylinder wall.

While all of the pistons 358 are connected to the motion bar 350, all of the syringe cylinders 360 are connected to a drainage bar 368, which is connected to a piston rod 368 which in turn is connected to a together 370 piston and cylinder, the drainage bar 366 is attached to movable support rods 372 to allow a sliding movement.

After the optical identification of the liquids in the receptacles 340 is completed, the air piston and cylinder assembly is set in motion to raise the identification block 342 of the test pieces to its position. origin shown in Figures 40 'and 41. 'It is then desired to drain the containers 340 from their liquid, and the assembly 370 drain piston and air is set in motion, as shown in / / figure 45 thereby moving the drainage bar 366 away from the pistons M /

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As shown in Figure 54- a timer

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374- identification is provided connected to the air valves 376,

378 and 380 respectively to suitably animate and invert the assemblies 398 and 399 cylinder and air piston as well as the drainage assembly 370 to successively lower the containers 34-0 into the test tubes 24, to aspirate the sample in the containers 340 and after that the identification has been completed, to raise the identification containers 340, drain the fluid from there, and expel the remainder of the fluid by blows of air such as the identification assembly //.

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be ready for the next cycle.

As mentioned before, it is preferable to carry out optical identification tests, such a system is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 55 in which a light source such as an excitation lamp 577 is provided to direct light through a lens 579} through the sample in the container 340, through a filter 581} and towards a means for measuring light such as a photovoltaic cell 582, in which the value of the light intensity measured by the photoelectric cell 382 which is a measure of the property being examined, is transmitted by an electrical calibration control circuit 584 to an identification device such as a recorder "

586. The physical structure of the identification block 542 is shown in FIGS. 47 to 52 in which the exciter lamp '577 provides a light source through the lens 579 Which is preferably made of phosphated glass which not only performs the function of collimating or to direct the rays of light of the lamp 577 © n parallel rays but also absorbs the. heat to prevent the heat of the lamps from affecting the tests by the optics of the sample. Reflectors 588 in chrome are also provided on the back of the exciter lamp 577 to direct light through lenses 579 © through a window 59θ through the identification container 540 which preferably includes a window 592 with the remainder of the container having an amber color to cut off the diffuse light. After the light passes through the sample in the containers 540 it passes through the filter 58Ί which filters unwanted light and only allows the spectrum of light being measured to pass to /

across to the photocell. It is preferable that 7d

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“37 the filter 38 ^ is placed between the container 340 and the photocell 382 so as to prevent the heat from the lamp 377 from adversely affecting the filter 381.

However, as mentioned before, it is moreover desirable to control the surrounding heat environment in which the identification tests are carried out and as the excitation lamps 377 emit a large amount of heat, the identification block 342, as indicated in FIGS. 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51 comprises waterways 393 so that water can be passed therethrough to cool the block 342. Further so as to provide 'additional cooling of the exciter lamps 377, the identification block 342' may include air partitions 394 and .396 (Figures 47 and 52) each of which includes a large number ' air openings 398 to allow heat to escape from lamps 37-7 ·

However, the openings 398 on the limb 394 are out of vertical alignment with the openings 398 in the limb 396 thus allowing heat to escape, but reducing the permissibility of diffuse light in the lamp compartment .

Referring now to Figure 53, there is shown at best an 'electrical diagram of the identification system which includes parts of the control systems of Figures 54 and '55 · As will be described in more detail, a panel to program push buttons is provided in which the various desired tests to be performed by the apparatus are programmed with the information being transmitted to a computer 400. An operation button 402 is released to set in motion and start the timer / n

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At a determined point in the operating cycle, the identification timer 374 (FIG. 54) sets in motion the air cylinders 348 of the identification block in order to place the containers 340 in the test tubes 24. the test samples are then sucked into the identification pipes 340 by the assembly • 349 of the air piston. During the identification cycle each of the exciting lamps 376 directs a beam of light through a container 340 to a photoelectric cell 382 for each longitudinal row of test pieces 24. Each exciting lamp 377^{has a} celais 404 lamp breaker which is connected to an alarm system 406 to provide an audible sound in the event of failure of one of the excitation lamps 377 · 1θ switch 410 of the recorder's timer is then set in motion to · Begin its successive analysis through each of the tests programmed by the device by successively connecting the output of each photoelectric cell to the recording pen of the recorder 386, the output signal is clamped, the diagram paper advances recording the signal on the diagram paper so that it indicates the concentration of the unknown in the solution undergoing analysis. During the exploration process, the lamps 458 are illuminated signaling the test being recorded, the successive pulsed counters 459 'counting each test being recorded, and the resetting of the relays, programmed 461. Just before the completion of the exploration cycle, an impulse is sent to the identification timer 374 to allow it to complete its final phase of the identification cycle, suitably setting in motion the controls as shown in FIG. 54 to drain the examined sample of containers 340 and retracts these from pre-test tubes 24, - / n iAA ¹ · · ·

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- B'- 39 preparation for the next cycle.

In. In addition, a large number of electrical calibration control circuits 384, each connected to a photoelectric cell 382. As part of each electrical control circuit 384, a free potentiometer 385 and a reference potentiometer 387 can be provided to control and calibrate the output of each photoelectric cell 382 in accordance with a known sample being examined. Used in conjunction with each other, these potentiometers 385 and 387 allow information transmitted to the identification device such as a recorder 368 to be identified directly in desired measured units despite individual differences that may exist between containers, photocells, filters etc.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15 a clutch 114 is connected to the motor 112 to provide a two-way drive for the removal and distribution apparatus 34. Se. .

now referring to FIGS. 58 to 59 a more detailed description of the structure and operation of the clutch 114 is shown there. The clutch 114 is - to provide a two-way clutch - between the driving shaft 422 and the driven shaft 420. In a conventional clutch the driven shaft 420 is connected in the housing 421 to a cam member 424 having cam surfaces 428 which are adapted to engage with and cause the clutch bearings 428. ci to engage with a casing 430 leading member which is connected to the driving shaft 422. However, this conventional clutch can only operate in the single direction of rotation of the driving shaft 422 and the direction is determined by the steering springs 432 which interconnect the driving housing-421 and the cam member. 424 . A forward guide pin 442 is provided on the housing 421./(/

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. The conventional clutch is added with a reversing pawl 434 which is loaded by a spring and freely mounted on a pin 440, a casing 430 pressed elastically against a stopper 436, a stopper, inversion 438.

When the driving shaft 422 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction 423, the driven shaft 420 conventionally rotates when the springs contract and engage the inner bearings 428 in the clutch until a stop means such as a solenoid switch 444 having a control lever 446 which when set in position stops the driven shaft by engagement in front of the guide pin 442 thereby causing the springs 432 to relax and releasing the internal bearings 428. The driving shaft

422 continues to rotate and the pawl 434 loaded by the springs "

jumps past the reversing lug 43.8 and thus the driven shaft 420 is disengaged and will only rotate when the forward guide lug 442 is released by the solenoid switch 444 and lever 446. Whenever the driving shaft 422 is turned in the direction 425 - clockwise

The driven shaft 420 begins to rotate clockwise &lt;

of a watch as soon as the pawl 434 engages the reversing lug 438. Therefore the two-way clutch 114 can be simply set in motion in one or the other direction of rotation of the driving shaft. · • 'Figures 6 and 6A show the power supply circuit and the circuit breaker control panel.

The circuit breaker 445 control panel, also shown in Figure 1, has various individual circuit breakers shown as shown in position with the corresponding number circled in Figure 6. The circled numbers are dis •. '' Push button switches which trip during one / d

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- 41 overload causing an audible sound whereby, the operator can quickly control the control panel to locate errors. Thus, a power input is installed at 447 and connected to a magnetic contactor 448. Circuit 1 is the supply of the various control circuits with a derivative circuit 2 being a 115-volt AC circuit, circuit 3 being a 48-volt DC supply circuit, circuit 4 being the supply of an air compressor 45Ο which supplies the air for various machine functions, circuit 5 supplies the various bath heaters 218, 242 and 244, circuit 6 supplies the drying heaters 154, circuit 7 supplies the computer 400, circuit 8 supplies the endless belt or the conveyor 22, circuit supplies the distribution assembly 30, circuit 10 supplies the washing of the test specimens and the washing valves, circuit supplies the drainage timer and the drainage motor (not shown) 'circuit 12 supplies the solenoids 342 for »the distribution of reagents,' circuit 13 supplies the identifier 44 and the photocell 382, ​​circuit 14 supplies the recorder 386, and circuit 15 supplies the 12 volt DC power supply for the lamp failure relays 404 and the exciter lamps. 377 The push button panel 399 is shown in FIGS. 60 to 62, and includes a large number of rows. vertical 452 of buttons and indicator lights, each row corresponding to each of the transverse rows 28 of test pieces 24, and assuming that there are ten longitudinal rows 26 of sixty test pieces, each 45 rangée vertical row of push buttons will include ten buttons, one for each row which when pushed indicates that a test in this longitudinal row is programmed for a particular sample / {G

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- 42 In addition to the ten individual discretionary program selected buttons, each row includes a 4p4 button marked P indicating that a section of all ten tests is to be performed on this sample, and likewise includes a trigger button 456 for release all the buttons pushed in this particular row 452 in the event of an error or in the case of a desire to change? the scheduled tests. In addition, lights 460 are provided to number the stations and indicator lights 458 to indicate the condition of the tests in this particular vertical row 452. The push buttons of panel 39-9 are connected to a fixed section or stationary table 462 of computer 400. Panel 399, in the example shown, has sixty buttons in horizontal rows allowing sixty samples to be programmed for the various scheduled tests in the device.

The computer 400 is shown in Figures 64 to 66 and includes a scanning section 464 connected to a control by worm screw 466 which in turn is connected to a clutch 468 of a scanning table driven by a motor 470 to control the relative position of the movable section 464 to a fixed section 462. The motor 470 of the scanning table sets in motion relative synchronization. that the programmed information of the programmer '399 · is known'^;veniently transmitted to the appropriate function controls whereby, the scanning table then transmits the information such as which of the tests must be carried out, which of the identifications must be set in motion which also depends on the test on which it must be carried out, what quantity of material from the sample the removal device 34 and indexes the table to fr bs ^ ayage ^ 464.: '. en.v ·. ·? e'latif to the advanced step to' pasIdé ^ to ^ côuærôke / ^ ';; , 'distribution must collect and distribute' which depends on the number, H

- 43 tests to be carried out on each sample, and distributes the appropriate reagents which also depends on the tests that have been scheduled. For example, the stationary switchboard 462 which corresponds to panel 399 is electrically connected to it. That is, table 462 will include ten rows of sixty terminals or rods 46.3 connected to corresponding buttons on panel 399 · However, scanning table 464 will require terminals 465 corresponding to the number of test stations on the carrier, twenty in the example given, at which discretionary functions can be programmed and performed. So while the scanning table 464 indexes beyond the stationary table 462 its rods 465, which are preferably loaded by springs as shown in FIG. 66, move against the rods 463 and collect the programmed information and transmit it to the various systems which carry out the various phases of the tests, chemical to the twenty workstations (figure £ 0. Since the sample being examined travels through twenty possible work stations on the belt 22 from the delivery of the sample to the identification of the sample, the scanning table 464 signals to the various systems that a function must be performed. in a particular cycle. As indicated before the information sent from the scanning table indicates: if further samples are programmed, in which longitudinal rows the samples are to be dispensed which reagents must be added to a given station, activates the indicator lights in the program table 399 to indicate which samples are in progress, which tests are identified, and when identification should be carried out. Thus, the computer 400 will repeat each machine cycle until it has exhausted ··· / i · ...

any subsequent programming. At this moment the table of / 'ÿVi *' ίΑ-'Γ.

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- 44 scan 464 will return to its zero position, the main timer 272 will stop, 'turn and the device will be placed under the control of the timer 276 washing ends as commented in relation to Figure 34.

However, in addition to the sixty rows of contacts 463, because the apparatus 20 is a continuous cycling apparatus and because the tables are physically constructed linearly, the stationary table 462 will include twenty additional rows 463 of contacts which are connected to the first twenty rows of contacts' by a flying electrical connection of the stationary switchboard 462 whereby the linear switchboard can have the function of a rotary switch, although ^ of course a rotary table can be used in place of tables'462 and 464, collecting the programmed information from the first row of twenty · ·. buttons 463 when the sweep table 464 exceeds the first contacts. During the operation the first position of the scanning table 464 will index from the zero position to the position eighty of the stationary table, then the inverter 416 of the scanning table will move to return the scanning table to the position number twenty-one on the stationary table and will continue to index between position eighty and position twenty-one until programming stops.

Then the scan table 464 will return to the zero position.

The reagent selection table 113 is shown in Figure 64 in which jumper cables are provided to set in motion the various, solenoid 324 reagents at the appropriate station on the belt. In addition, the scan table transmits information to the identifier timer to control the identification and recording functions. ' not

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The reagent selection table 113 includes the

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rows 119 of socket connected to the electric solenoids 324, which for the tests being programmed with the apparatus of FIG. 2 requires sixty reagents and solenoids hence requiring sixty sockets in rows 11¾. In addition, since seventeen possible stations of test tubes are provided for each test to which reagents can be dispensed, the reagent selection table 113 comprises seventeen rows 123a of ten sockets which are connected to the reagent dispensing rods. from scan table 464. Consequently, in order to assemble the apparatus, various cables 125 with flying connection, which are not shown in turn, are connected from the power outlets of the reagents solenoids in the rows 11¾ to the power outlet, from the appropriate reagent station of rows 123a such that when this particular station is reached by the scanning table 464, the solenoid of the appropriate reagent will be set in motion to dispense this reagent in the appropriate test tube 24.

Referring again to Figure 6, the buttons ·

472, 474 and 402 are provided for starting and stopping the appliance 20. The button 472 is an off-circuit button for stopping the entire appliance. Button 474 is a reserve button which is set in motion before starting the operating button 402. The reserve button 474 when set in motion sets in motion the magnetic contactor 448 which supplies circuits 1-15 and makes the device ready for operation such that setting in motion the operating button 402 sets in motion the main timer 272 which starts automatic chemical analysis.

Figure 63 shows a simoli-w / electrical diagram

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- '46 relied on functional checks of the present invention. As indicated previously, the desired tests which are to be carried out are programmed on the program table 399 to. push button thereby providing discretionary control over which chemical tests are to be performed on each sample.

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Likewise, the samples were matched on the sample table 32 in the sample containers 46 and the reserve button 474 (Figure 6) is set in motion to heat the various heating baths to their appropriate temperature. The setting of the operating button

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The information is sent from the scan table 464 to the sample selection control for storage. The selection control 115 transmits a signal to the valve 7θ of the carriage arm and sets in motion the timer 118 of the aspiration by the · control 116 of the carriage. In addition, the sample selection control 115 transmits signals to a valve control 111, a valve timer 122, the suction timer 118 and the carriage control 116. A signal is sent from the control of the carriage 116 to the clutch of the carriage 16 to set in motion the motor of the carriage 72 (Figure 16) to move the needle 62 from;

lifting and dispensing above the removal station on the sample table 32. As described more fully with reference to FIG. 16 the needle 62 advances in the cut 46 and draws in the quantity of sample programmed , the distributor timer 122. reverses the distributor clutch 144, the needle is raised, a sample segment is redistributed in the sample cup 46, the arm of the, · / (· '·^;&gt; Μ &lt;· 'λ ·, ί. · ;.'? • '' • Ι

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- Y carriage 66 returns above the row of test tubes 24 and the distribution timer 122 stops at each of the longitudinal rows 26 programmed test tubes and distributes a serum sample.

In addition, the scanning table 464 transmits the information to the reagent selection table 113 to set in motion the valves 324 of the reagent solenoids to deliver a measured amount of the particular reagent to the appropriate station in the cycle.

The scanning table 464, which receives the programmed information from the stationary table 462, sets in motion the timer 374-. Of the identifier, which controls the ascent and descent of the identification block 342, in order to suck the assembly there. 34-9 of filling and expulsion and to expel it again after the conclusion of the identification tests. The timer 374- of the identifier also controls the timer 410 of the recorder which in turn explores each of the scheduled tests and records them on the recorder 388. During each cycle the · main timer · 272 signals the conveyor belt 22 which is indexed., Provides the signals for the transmission of the programmed information to the function circuits and start of the functions, signals the deprogramming of the control buttons after the completion of the tests on each individually programmed sample, activates a feed control 414, to advance the scanning table to the signals programmed for the next row of programmed tests, signals to the set 277 The washing of the test specimens to wash and drain the test specimens, and in addition, signals the sample table 32 which is indexed.

Of course, it is important that the belt 22, la. indexing rotary table · 32 specimens, and, the table ^¹ s # p

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-_;A; 4 '464 are synchronized in relative position at all times to ensure that the particular sample on the indexing table is collected and distributed in the corresponding transverse row of test tubes on the belt 22 and that the operating functions are synchronized .

Thus, referring to Figure 67 a synchronization switch 479 can be placed to measure the indexed position of the belt 22 as being driven by a control belt 481 connected to one of the toothed wheels of the belt. 22. Thus, when the belt is indexed by a row of test pieces, the synchronization switch 479 is turned to indicate the position of the belt 22. Likewise, another synchronization switch 480 (double-layer flat switch) is arranged and connected to the rotary table 32 to measure the rotary position of the table. Synchronization switches 479 and 480 are connected in series by computer 400 including scanning table 464 to ensure that indexing table 32, belt 22, and stationary table 462 are in synchronization before continuing with the next sequence tests.

The present invention is therefore perfectly suited to carry out the aims and achieve the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as others inherent in the present invention. While a preferred embodiment of the invention is given for the purpose of disclosure, numerous changes to the construction details will readily suggest other embodiments to those skilled in the art. (\.