Patent EP0356250A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0356250A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Analyzers using linear sample trays with random access
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1989-08-25
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2009-08-25
Abstract
Abstract An analyzer and sample trays (10) are disclosed which permit more random sampling of patient samples than is conventional. The trays are open at the sides, and preferably include flags for sensing, and means on the bottom wall for releasibly engaging a conveyor. The analyzer provides a separate linear track (32-35) for each of the trays, in which the trays are mounted, and means for reciprocating each of the trays within its respective track and to a position that intersects a path (110) taken by a moving aspirating and dispensing station.
Inventors
- 👤 James David C/O Eastman Kodak Company Shaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/00584; G01N35/0092; G01N35/02; G01N35/04; G01N2035/0093; G01N2035/0401; G01N2035/0403; G01N2035/0405; G01N2035/0412; G01N2035/0413; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T436/00; Y10T436/11; Y10T436/113332; Y10T436/114165; Y10T436/114998
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
An analyzer comprising supply means for supplying patient sample, aspirating and dispensing means for aspirating sample from said supply means and dispensing sample onto a test element, supply means for supplying test elements, and means for moving said aspirating and dispensing means in the analyzer relative to said supply means along a predetermined path and into operative association with said sample and a test element, respectively; characterized in that said sample supply means comprise a) a plurality of trays each comprising means for holding a plurality of sample containers in a linear array, b) a separate linear track for each of said trays, in which said trays are mounted, and c) means for reciprocating each of said trays within its respective track and to a position that intersects said path of said aspirating and dispensing means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
An analyzer comprising supply means for supplying patient sample, aspirating and dispensing means for aspirating sample from said supply means and dispensing sample onto a test element, supply means for supplying test elements, and means for moving said aspirating and dispensing means in the analyzer relative to said supply means along a predetermined path and into operative association with said sample and a test element, respectively; characterized in that said sample supply means comprise a) a plurality of trays each comprising means for holding a plurality of sample containers in a linear array, b) a separate linear track for each of said trays, in which said trays are mounted, and c) means for reciprocating each of said trays within its respective track and to a position that intersects said path of said aspirating and dispensing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 1, wherein said tray-reciprocating means includes 1) sensing means for sensing when the last container of a tray has been aspirated, and 2) means for ejecting said emptied tray at least partially from its respective track to indicate an "empty" condition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 1, and further including means for detecting patient identification on said containers in each tray as said each tray is reciprocated along its respective track.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 3, wherein said detecting means is mounted on a track that passes over said tray tracks, and further including means for moving said detecting means along its track from one tray track to another.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 4, wherein said track of said detecting means and said path of said aspirating and dispensing means are separate but generally parallel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 1, and further including tip supply means comprising a rack of disposable tips separate from said trays, means for moving said rack past said path of said aspirating and dispensing means, and means for sensing a tip in said conveyor prior to said aspirating and dispensing means moving into association with said tip supply means to pick up said sensed tip.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 1, wherein said tracks are generally parallel to each other, and said path of said aspirating and dispensing means intersects each of said tracks at an angle of about 90°.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
78 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 1, wherein said reciprocating means include conveyors for each of said tracks, and a separate conveyor mounted for a) conveying trays in a direction that is generally parallel to the direction of conveyance of any of said conveyors, and b) reciprocation in a generally perpendicular direction to said directions and along said path of movement of said aspirating and dispensing means, and means for reciprocating said separate conveyor in said perpendicular direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 8, wherein said separate conveyor includes means for interlocking with portions of any of said trays so as to positively drive said trays away from said conveyors of said tracks.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
73 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 1, wherein said reciprocating means comprise first conveyors for each of said tracks and a second conveyor positioned beyond said tracks for conveyance of trays in a direction parallel to said tracks, means for moving said first conveyors along said tracks, and means for moving said second conveyor transversely to said direction, to a position in which it is alternately aligned with any one of said tracks.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
An analyzer as defined in claim 1, and further including protective cover means for preventing normal operator access to said aspirating and dispensing means and to at least a portion of said tracks.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
115 words
A tray for containers to be placed in an analyzer, such tray comprising: means for holding a plurality of containers upright in a linear array, said means comprising two opposed vertical side walls providing as a major dimension of the tray, its length; a bottom wall and end walls connecting said side walls, both said side walls having more than fifty percent of their surface removed so as to provide access to the containers through said side walls, means between said walls for spacing containers apart, a flag on said container to identify it to a sensor in an analyzer, and means in the undersurface of said bottom wall, for releasibly engaging a conveyor belt.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
115 words
A tray for containers to be placed in an analyzer, such tray comprising: means for holding a plurality of containers upright in a linear array, said means comprising two opposed vertical side walls providing as a major dimension of the tray, its length; a bottom wall and end walls connecting said side walls, both said side walls having more than fifty percent of their surface removed so as to provide access to the containers through said side walls, means between said walls for spacing containers apart, a flag on said container to identify it to a sensor in an analyzer, and means in the undersurface of said bottom wall, for releasibly engaging a conveyor belt.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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