EP0502638A2 — Automated analyzer

Claim 1

Independent Claim 114 words

An automated analyzer to assay a test sample for any of a plurality of analytes, said analyzer comprising: (a) means for introducing into a cuvette a volume of test sample to be assayed for at least one specific analyte, (b) means for selectively introducing into said cuvette at least one pair of reagents which correspond to the analyte to be detected such that a test reaction is initiated between said analyte and said reagents to form a detectable product, (c) means for detecting the product of said test reaction, and (d) control means including central processing means for coordinating the introducing means for said test sample, introducing means for said reagents and detection means.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 76 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 1, wherein said reagent pair comprises: a labeled reagent and a solid-phase reagent, each of said reagents having a binding substance wherein said binding substance of the labeled reagent binds to either: (a) the analyte of the test sample and where the analyte also binds to the binding substance of the solid phase, or (b) to the binding substance of the solid phase, such that a detectable product is formed.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 60 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 2, wherein the means for detecting the product of said test reaction comprises: (a) means for isolating the detectable product in said cuvette, (b) means for initiating a detection reaction for said product in said cuvette after isolation of said product, and (c) means for detecting and measuring the intensity of said detection reaction.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 122 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 3, wherein said cuvette has at least one side wall and a top opening and wherein the solid phase reagent includes paramagnetic particles, and the means for isolating the detectable product in said cuvette comprises: (a) a magnet for attracting said paramagnetic particles to the side wall of said cuvette, (b) means for aspirating the liquid from said cuvette through said top opening while said paramagnetic particles are held against said side wall by the magnet, (c) means for dispensing a volume of liquid into said cuvette through said top opening for re-suspending said paramagnetic particles in said liquid, and (d) control means including central processing means for coordinating said aspirating means and said dispensing means.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 61 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 4, wherein said detection reaction is a chemiluminescent flash and the means for initiating said flash in said cuvette comprises: (a) means for re-suspending said paramagnetic particles with an acid solution, and (b) means for dispensing a base solution into said acid solution, said re-suspending means and dispensing means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 96 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 1, wherein said means for introducing a volume of a test sample into said cuvette comprises: (a) a sample holder which supports a plurality of sample containers, each of said sample containers containing a liquid test sample to be assayed for at least one analyte, and (b) sample selecting means which includes a sample aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating a volume of sample solution from one of said sample containers and dispensing said aspirated sample into said cuvette, said sample selecting means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 163 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 6, wherein said cuvette is located along a vertical sample dispense axis and a vertical sample aspirating axis which is spaced from said sample dispense axis, and wherein said sample selection means comprises: (a) a sample holder positioning means for selectively positioning any one of said sample containers at said sample aspirating axis, and (b) a sample probe transport for selectively moving said sample probe horizontally between said sample dispense axis and said sample aspirating axis, and for selectively moving said sample probe vertically for aspirating a volume of test sample solution from a sample container at said sample aspirating axis and for dispensing aspirated sample into said cuvette when said sample probe is at said sample dispense axis wherein coordination of the positioning of said sample holder positioning means and the horizontal and vertical positioning of said sample probe for selectively introducing any one of said samples into said cuvette are controlled by said control means.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 156 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 7, wherein said vertical sample aspirating axis is a first aspirating axis and a second vertical sample aspirating axis is located between said first aspirating axis and said sample dispense axis and said sample probe can be selectively positioned at said first and second aspirating axes by said sample probe transport, and wherein said sample holder is a carousel which is rotatable about a vertical central axis, a plurality of sample containers being arranged in a first circle which is concentric with said central axis and which intersects said first aspirating axis and a plurality of sample containers being arranged in a second circle which is concentric with said central axis and which intersects said second aspirating axis, which enables at least some of the containers in at least one of said circles to contain a treatment fluid which is to be combined with at least some of said samples.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 50 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 8, wherein the containers in said first circle are mounted on a first ring and the containers in said second circle are mounted on a second ring, and wherein each of said rings is rotatable about said central axis independently of the other ring.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 99 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 1, wherein said means for introducing reagent into said cuvette comprises: (a) a reagent holder for supporting a plurality of pairs of reagent containers, each reagent of the pair, containing a distinct binding substance which differs from the binding substances in the other pairs of reagent containers, and (b) reagent selecting means which includes a reagent aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating a volume of reagent from one of said pairs of reagent containers and dispensing said aspirated reagent into said cuvette said reagent selecting means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 231 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 10, wherein said cuvette which contains a volume of liquid sample is located along a vertical reagent dispense axis, a first vertical reagent aspirating axis is spaced from said reagent dispense axis, and wherein a second vertical reagent aspirating axis is located between said reagent dispense axis and said first reagent aspirating axis, said reagent selecting means comprises: (a) a reagent holder positioning means for selectively positioning one of each of said reagent containers at said first reagent aspirating axis and the other of each of said reagent containers at said second reagent aspirating axis, (b) a reagent probe transport for selectively moving said reagent probe horizontally between said reagent dispense axis and each of said first and second reagent aspirating axes, and for selectively moving said reagent probe vertically for aspirating a volume of reagent from a reagent container at each of said first and second reagent aspirating axes and for dispensing reagent which has been aspirated at said first and second axes into said cuvette when said reagent probe is at said reagent dispense axis, and (c) control means operatively connected to said reagent holder positioning means and said reagent probe transport for coordinating the positioning of said reagent holder positioning means and the horizontal and vertical positioning of said reagent probe for selectively introducing any one of said reagents into said cuvette.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 97 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 11, wherein said reagent holder is a carousel which is rotatable about a vertical central axis, the containers for one of each of the two reagents for each analyte to be tested for being arranged in a first circle which is concentric with said central axis and which intersects said first aspirating axis and the containers for the other of each of the two reagents for each analyte to tested for being arranged in a second circle which is concentric with said central axis and which intersects said second aspirating axis.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 59 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 12, wherein each of the containers in said first circle is mounted on said reagent holder for rotation about a vertical axis relative to said reagent holder, said analyzer further comprising drive means for rotating each of said containers about its respective vertical axis, said drive means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 228 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 1, wherein said reagent dispense point is a first reagent dispense point and said event path includes a second reagent dispense point which is located between said first reagent dispense point and said product isolation point and, wherein said reagent aspirating and dispense means comprises: (a) a reagent holder for holding said pairs of reagent containers, (b) first reagent selecting means which includes a first reagent aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating reagent from one or both containers of one of said pairs of reagent containers and for dispensing said aspirated reagent into a cuvette at said first reagent dispense point, and (c) second reagent selecting means which includes a second reagent aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating reagent from both containers of one of said pairs of reagent containers and for dispensing said reagent into a cuvette which contains no reagent at said second reagent dispense point, or the other container of a pair of containers from which one reagent was aspirated and dispensed into a cuvette at said first reagent dispense point and for dispensing the reagent from said other container of said pair reagent containers into the cuvette which contains said one reagent at said second reagent dispense point, wherein said first reagent selecting means and said second reagent selecting means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 320 words

An automated analyzer to assay a test sample for any of a plurality of analytes, said analyzer comprising: (a) an event conveyor for conveying a plurality of cuvettes serially along an event path from a starting point to a finishing point, said event path including from said starting point: a sample dispense point, at least one reagent dispense point, and a product isolation point, each of said cuvettes having a bottom wall, a side wall and a top opening, (b) a plurality of sample containers, each of said sample containers containing a volume of liquid sample to be tested for at least one analyte, (c) sample aspirating and dispensing means for selectively introducing a volume of sample from any one of said sample containers into successive cuvettes at said sample dispense point, (d) a plurality of pairs of reagent containers, one pair of reagent containers for each type of assay to be conducted, each of said pairs of reagent containers comprising a first container for holding a first reagent and a second container for holding a second reagent, the first and second reagents for each of said pairs having a distinct binding substance which corresponds to the analyte of a test sample, (e) reagent aspirating and dispensing means for selectively introducing into each succeeding cuvette at said reagent dispense point a volume of first and second reagent from a pair of reagent containers which correspond with the analyte to be detected in the sample, in the cuvette, so that a test reaction is initiated between the sample solution and the corresponding reagents to form a detectable product, (f) means for isolating the detectable product in each cuvette at said product isolation point, (g) means for detecting the product of said test reaction, and (h) control means for coordinating said event conveyor, said sample aspirating and dispensing means, said reagent aspirating and dispensing means, said isolating means and said detection means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 78 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 15, wherein said first reagent is a labeled reagent and said second reagent is a solid phase reagent and the means for detecting the product of said test reaction comprises: (a) means for initiating a detection reaction in each cuvette for the reaction product, and (b) means for detecting and measuring the intensity of said detection reaction, said initiating means and said detecting and measuring means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 109 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 16, wherein said solid phase reagent includes paramagnetic particles, and the means for isolating the detectable product from each of said cuvettes comprises: (a) a magnet for attracting said paramagnetic particles to the side wall of the cuvette, (b) means for aspirating the liquid in said cuvette through said top opening while said paramagnetic particles are held against said side wall by the magnet, and (c) means for dispensing a volume of liquid solution into said cuvette through said top opening for re- suspending said paramagnetic particles in said liquid solution, said aspirating and said dispensing means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 49 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 17, wherein said detection reaction is a chemiluminescent flash and the means for initiating said flash in said cuvette comprises: (a) means for re-suspending said paramagnetic particles with an acid solution, and (b) means for dispensing a base solution into said acid solution.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 80 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 15, wherein said means for introducing a test sample solution into each cuvette comprises: (a) a sample holder for holding said sample containers, and (b) sample selecting means which includes a sample aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating a volume of sample from one of said sample containers and for dispensing said aspirated sample solution in a cuvette at said sample dispense point, said sample selecting means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 161 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 19, wherein a vertical sample dispense axis is located at said sample dispense point and a vertical sample aspirating axis is spaced from said sample dispense axis, and wherein said sample selection means comprises: (a) a sample holder positioning means for selectively positioning any one of said sample containers at said sample aspirating axis, and (b) a sample probe transport for selectively moving said sample probe horizontally between said sample dispense axis and said sample aspirating axis, and for selectively moving said sample probe vertically for aspirating a volume of sample solution from a sample container at said sample aspirating axis and for dispensing said aspirated sample solution into said cuvette when said sample probe is at said sample dispense axis, said control means coordinating the positioning of said sample holder positioning means and the horizontal and vertical positioning of said sample probe for selectively introducing any one of said reagent pairs into said cuvette.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 156 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 20, wherein said vertical sample aspirating axis is a first aspirating axis and a second vertical sample aspirating axis is located between said first aspirating axis and said sample dispense axis and said sample probe can be selectively positioned at said first and second aspirating axes by said sample probe transport, and wherein said sample holder is a carousel which is rotatable about a vertical central axis, a plurality of sample containers being arranged in a first circle which is concentric with said central axis and which intersects said first aspirating axis and a plurality of sample containers being arranged in a second circle which is concentric with said central axis and which intersects said second aspirating axis which enables at least some of the containers in at least one of said circles to contain a treatment fluid which is to be combined with at least some of said samples.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 50 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 21, wherein the containers in said first circle are mounted on a first ring and the containers in said second circle are mounted on a second ring, and wherein each of said rings is rotatable about said central axis independently of the other ring.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 69 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 15, wherein said means for introducing reagent into said cuvettes comprises: (a) a reagent holder for holding said pairs of reagent containers, and (b) reagent selecting means which includes a reagent aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating a volume of reagent from one of said pairs of reagent containers and dispensing said aspirated reagent into a cuvette at said reagent dispense point.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 227 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 23, wherein said reagent dispense point is located at a vertical reagent dispense axis, a first vertical reagent aspirating axis is spaced from said reagent dispense axis and a second vertical reagent aspirating axis is located between said reagent dispense axis and said first reagent aspirating axis, and wherein said reagent selecting means comprises: (a) a reagent holder positioning means for selectively positioning one of each of said reagent containers at said first reagent aspirating axis and the other of each of said reagent containers at said second reagent aspirating axis, (b) a reagent probe transport for selectively moving said reagent probe horizontally between said reagent dispense axis and each of said first and second reagent aspirating axes, and for selectively moving said reagent probe vertically for aspirating a volume of reagent from a reagent container at each of said first and second reagent aspirating axes and for dispensing reagent which has been aspirated at said first and second axes into said cuvette when said reagent probe is at said reagent dispense axis, and (c) control means operatively connected to said reagent holder positioning means and said reagent probe transport for coordinating the positioning of said reagent holder positioning means and the horizontal and vertical positioning of said reagent probe for selectively introducing any one of said reagents into said cuvette.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 98 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 24, wherein said reagent holder is a carousel which is rotatable about a vertical central axis, the containers for one of each of the two reagents for each analyte to be tested for being arranged in a first circle which is concentric with said central axis and which intersects said first aspirating axis and the containers for the other of each of the two reagents for each analyte to be tested for being arranged in a second circle which is concentric with said central axis and which intersects said second aspirating axis.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 59 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 25, wherein each of the containers in said first circle is mounted on said reagent holder for rotation about a vertical axis relative to said reagent holder, said analyzer further comprising drive means for rotating each of said containers about its respective vertical axis, said drive means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 228 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 15, wherein said reagent dispense point is a first reagent dispense point and said event path includes a second reagent dispense point which is located between said first reagent dispense point and said product isolation point and, wherein said reagent aspirating and dispense means comprises: (a) a reagent holder for holding said pairs of reagent containers, (b) first reagent selecting means which includes a first reagent aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating reagent from one or both containers of one of said pairs of reagent containers and for dispensing said aspirated reagent into a cuvette at said first reagent dispense point, and (c) second reagent selecting means which includes a second reagent aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating reagent from both containers of one of said pairs of reagent containers and for dispensing said reagent into a cuvette which contains no reagent at said second reagent dispense point, or the other container of a pair of containers from which one reagent was aspirated and dispensed into a cuvette at said first reagent dispense point and for dispensing the reagent from said other container of said pair reagent containers into the cuvette which contains said one reagent at said second reagent dispense point, wherein said first reagent selecting means and said second reagent selecting means being controlled by said control means.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 442 words

An automated analyzer to assay a test sample for any of a plurality of analytes, said analyzer comprising: (a) an event conveyor for conveying a plurality of cuvettes serially along an event path from a starting point to a finishing point, said event path including from said starting point: a sample dispense point, a reagent dispense point, and a product isolation point, each of said cuvettes having a bottom wall, a side wall and a top opening, (b) a sample holder which is located adjacent said sample dispense point and which supports a plurality of sample containers, each of said sample containers containing a liquid test sample to be tested for at least one analyte, each of said sample containers being accessible from the top by an aspirating and dispensing probe, (c) sample selecting means which includes an aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating a volume of sample from one of said sample containers and for dispensing said aspirated sample into a cuvette which is positioned at said sample dispensing point and for aspirating a volume of sample solution from each of said sample containers in a predetermined selection sequence and dispensing each of said sample solutions into successive cuvettes at said sample dispense point, (d) a reagent holder which is located adjacent said reagent dispense point and which supports a plurality of pairs of reagent containers containing reagent solutions for each type of assay to be conducted, each of said pairs of reagent containers comprising a first container for holding a first reagent and a second container for holding a second reagent, each of said first and second reagents having a distinct binding substance which corresponds to a sample analyte to be detected in a corresponding sample solution for forming a detectable product, each of said reagent containers being accessible from the top by an aspirating and dispensing probe, (e) reagent selecting means which includes an aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating a predetermined volume of reagent from a pair of said reagent containers which corresponds with the assay to be conducted on said sample and for dispensing said aspirated reagent into the cuvette which contains said sample at said reagent dispense point to form a product, (f) means for isolating the detectable product from each of said cuvettes at said reagent separation point, (g) means for initiating a detection reaction in each cuvette with the product at said finishing point, (h) means for detecting said detection reaction in each cuvette, and (i) control means for coordinating said event conveyor said sample selecting means, said reagent selecting means, said product isolation means, said initiation means, and said detection means.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 248 words

An automated analyzer to assay a test sample for any of a plurality of analytes, said analyzer comprising: (a) an event conveyor for conveying a plurality of cuvettes serially along an event path from a starting point to a finishing point, said event path including from said starting point: a sample dispense point, a reagent dispense point, and a product isolation point, (b) means for introducing a sample solution to be analyzed for a specific analyte into a cuvette at said sample dispense point, (c) means for introducing at least two reagents which correspond to the analyte to be detected into a cuvette which contains a sample solution at said reagent dispense point such that a test reaction is initiated between the sample solution and said reagents to form a detectable product, (d) a hopper for holding a plurality of cuvettes, said hopper being located above and behind the starting point of said event path, (e) a first cuvette feed and orientation mechanism for feeding cuvettes forwardly and downwardly from said hopper to said starting point, (f) instrumentation for detecting the product of said test reaction, said instrumentation being located above and behind said finishing point, (g) a second cuvette feed and orientation mechanism for feeding cuvettes upwardly and rearwardly from said finishing point to said instrumentation, and (h) control means for coordinating said event conveyor, said sample introducing means, said reagent introducing means, said first cuvette feed mechanism, said detection instrumentation, and said second cuvette feed mechanism.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 46 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 29, wherein a receptacle is located below said instrumentation and said second cuvette feed and orientation mechanism includes means for releasing each cuvette into said receptacle after detection and measurement of the product of the test reaction in said cuvette.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 51 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 29, wherein said second feed and orientation mechanism comprises: (a) a carousel for rotating a cuvette in a horizontal plane from an entrance point to an exit point, and (b) an elevator for lifting each cuvette sequentially from said finishing point to said entrance point.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 52 words

A cuvette for use in an assay analysis comprising: (a) four vertical side walls, (b) a bottom wall, (c) a top opening, and (d) a pair of oppositely extending flanges which extend laterally from two opposite side walls, for enabling said cuvette to be conveyed horizontally by at least one toothed conveyor.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 33 words

A cuvette as recited in Claim 32, wherein said cuvette is generally rectangular in cross section, the side walls from which said flanges extend being substantially wider than the other two side walls.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 14 words

A cuvette as recited in Claim 32, wherein said cuvette is made of polypropylene.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 49 words

A reagent container comprising: (a) a bottom wall, (b) a vertical side wall which defines an inner chamber, (c) a top opening, and (d) at least one fin which is located in said chamber for agitating fluid within said chamber upon rotation of said container about a vertical axis.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 58 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 35, wherein said side wall has an inner surface and an outer surface and there are two fins which extend toward each other from opposite sides of said inner surface, each fin having a terminal inner edge which is spaced from the inner terminal edge of the other of said fins

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 24 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 36, wherein each fin extends from said bottom wall along a substantial portion of said side wall.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 53 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 35, wherein said container has an outer skirt which surrounds said side wall, said skirt being attached to said side wall near the top of said side wall and extends downwardly substantially spaced from and parallel with said side and terminating in a free bottom edge.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 23 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 38, wherein said side wall and said skirt are cylindrical and said bottom edge is circular.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 20 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 38, wherein the bottom edge of said skirt extends below said bottom wall.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 14 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 35, wherein said side wall is cylindrical.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 65 words

A reagent container comprising: (a) a bottom wall, (b) a vertical side wall which defines an inner chamber, (c) a top opening, and (d) an outer skirt which surrounds said side wall, said skirt being attached to said side wall near the top of said side wall and extends downwardly substantially spaced from and parallel with said side and terminating in a free bottom edge.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 23 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 42, wherein said side wall and said skirt are cylindrical and said bottom edge is circular.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 20 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 43, wherein the bottom edge of said skirt extends below said bottom wall.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 111 words

A reagent container as recited in Claim 42, wherein said side wall is circular and said skirt comprises: (a) a first flat side, (b) a second flat side which is parallel with said first flat side and is equal in length to said first flat side, (c) a third flat side which extends from one end of said first flat side to one end of said second flat side and which is at a right angle to each of said first and second flat sides, and (d) an outwardly curving side which extends from the opposite end of said first flat side to the opposite end of said second flat side.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 72 words

A cover for a container said cover being made of an elastomeric material and comprising: (a) a continuous side wall for enabling the cover to be applied to the mouth of a corresponding container in a sealing fit, and (b) a top wall which has at least one slit which maintains the sealing integrity of the cover while allowing access into the interior of the container by an aspirating and dispensing probe.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 24 words

A cover as recited in Claim 46, wherein there are a plurality of slits in said top wall which intersect at the same point.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 60 words

A cover as recited in Claim 46, wherein said cover has a continuous horizontal flange which extends outwardly from said side wall which enables the cover to be used in an inverted orientation on a container having a mouth diameter which differs from that of a container which is used with said cover with the cover in its upright orientation.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 62 words

A cover as recited in Claim 48, wherein said side wall is circular and has a plurality of annular steps internally and externally, each lower step having a larger diameter than the steps above it, thereby enabling the cover to be used with the mouths of a plurality of containers with the cover in the inverted orientation or in the upright orientation.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 47 words

A cover as recited in Claim 46, wherein said side wall is circular and has a plurality of annular steps, each lower step having a larger diameter than the step above it, thereby enabling the cover to be used with the mouths of a plurality of containers.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 347 words

A feed and orientation mechanism for a cuvette which is generally rectangular in cross-section and which has four side walls, a bottom wall, a top opening and a pair of oppositely extending flanges which extend laterally from two opposite walls of said side walls adjacent said top opening, for use in an automated analyzer to assay a test sample, comprising: (a) a hopper for containing a plurality of cuvettes in a random orientation with respect to each other and to the hopper, said hopper having a top opening, a bottom wall side walls and an opening in the bottom wall, (b) a feeder conveyor which has a section which travels upwardly through the opening in the bottom wall to a first point at the top opening, (c) a plurality of spaced projections on one flat side of said conveyor, each of said projections being adapted for supporting a cuvette on one of its side walls to a first point at the top opening of said hopper, (d) an orientation chute which extends downwardly at an angle from said first point to a second point, said orientation chute having a pair of upper parallel slide surfaces which are separated by a slot which has a longitudinal sliding axis for receiving said cuvette from said conveyor belt at said first point so that said flanges are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slot and are supported on said slide surfaces and said cuvette extends downwardly in said slot to enable said cuvette to slide downwardly on said chute along said axis from said first point to said second point, (e) an orientation tube which extends vertically downwardly from said second point to a third point, said tube having a bottom opening, a top opening for receiving a cuvette from said orientation chute so that said cuvette falls through said tube to said third point, (f) an event conveyor for conveying said cuvettes from said third point for subsequent use of said cuvettes by said analyzer, and (g) control means for coordinating the feeder conveyor and the event conveyor.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 142 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 51, wherein said orientation chute extends at a substantial angle relative to the plane of the event conveyor from one side of said event conveyor, said cuvette is conveyed so that said flanges are parallel with the path of travel of said cuvette along said conveyor so that the path of travel of said cuvette along said sliding axis is at a substantial angle relative to the plane of the path of travel of said cuvette along said event conveyor and, wherein said tube has a twisted inner wall surface for causing each cuvette to rotate about its vertical axis as it falls through the tube, so that when the cuvette reaches said third point, the flanges of the cuvette are parallel with the path of travel of said cuvette along said conveyor.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 67 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 51, further comprising: (a) a mixing block which extends upwardly through the bottom opening of said hopper adjacent said projections, said mixing block having an upper guide surface, and (b) a drive actuator for vertically reciprocating said block for agitating said cuvettes and for orienting and guiding said cuvettes onto said projections by means of said guide surface.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 51 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 53, wherein said conveyor and said drive actuator are driven in synchronism by control means so that when said mixing block moves upwardly at the same speed as said feeder conveyor during the upward portion of the reciprocating movement of said block.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 93 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 53, wherein said feeder conveyor has a back side and a front side and, wherein said orientation chute is in front of said conveyor and said projections extend at a downward angle from said back side to said front side on the section of said feeder conveyor which extends upwardly from the opening in said bottom wall to said top opening so that when a cuvette reaches said first point it slides downwardly along the projection on which it rests to said orientation chute.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 27 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 55, wherein the upper guide surface of said mixing block is at the same angle as said projections.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 53 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 53, wherein the section of said feeder conveyor which extends upwardly from the bottom wall of the hopper is at an angle to the vertical so that said projections face upwardly and said mixing block is parallel with said conveyor section as it reciprocates.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 41 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 51, wherein each of said slide surfaces extends at a downward angle toward said slot within a plane which is transverse to an axis which extends between said first and second points.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 83 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 51, wherein said orientation chute further comprises a stop at said second point for preventing a cuvette from sliding beyond the lower end of the chute at said second point, and wherein said slot is sufficiently widened adjacent said stop to form an access opening for said cuvette above the top opening of said orientation tube to enable said cuvette to drop through said access opening into the top opening of said orientation tube.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 146 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 59, wherein a pair of opposed vertical guide surfaces extend between said access opening and the top opening of said orientation tube, one of said guide surfaces having an upwardly facing jutting surface which slopes downwardly toward the other of said guide surfaces and the other of said guide surfaces having a recessed portion which forms a downwardly facing undercut surface which is opposite said jutting surface so that one flange of said cuvette strikes said jutting surface after it falls through said access opening to deflect said cuvette toward said recessed portion so that the other flange of said cuvette is positioned below said undercut surface to prevent said cuvette from flipping to an inverted orientation as it falls, thereby insuring that said cuvette enters the top opening of said orientation tube in an upright orientation.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 142 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 51, wherein cuvettes are delivered by said mechanism to said third point at a greater rate than they are conveyed from said third point by said processing conveyor, and said feeder conveyor is operated by drive means comprising: (a) an electric motor which is drivingly connected to said endless conveyor, and (b) electrical control means for selectively actuating said electric motor, said control means comprising a sensor in said orientation tube for sensing when cuvettes have accumulated in said orientation tube to a predetermined level and for stopping said electric motor when said orientation tube has been filled with cuvettes to said predetermined level, and cuvette counting means for starting said electric motor when a predetermined number of cuvettes have been conveyed from said third point after the electric motor has been stopped.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 18 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 61, wherein said sensor is an optical reflectance sensor.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 222 words

A feed and orientation mechanism for a cuvette which is generally rectangular in cross-section and which has four side walls, a bottom wall, a top opening, and a pair of oppositely extending flanges which extend laterally from two opposite walls of said side walls adjacent said top opening, said feed and orientation mechanism comprising: (a) a hopper for containing a plurality of cuvettes in a random orientation with respect to each other and to the hopper, (b) a feeder conveyor for conveying cuvettes in a substantially prone orientation from said hopper to a first point at the top of said hopper, (c) an orientation chute which extends at a downward angle from said first point to a second point for guiding cuvettes in a sliding free fall along a sliding axis from said first point to said second point, said cuvettes being suspended by their flanges along said chute so that said cuvettes are substantially upright as they travel from said first point to said second point, (d) an orientation tube for guiding said cuvettes in an upright orientation in a free fall from said second point to a third point, (e) an event conveyor for conveying said cuvettes from said third point for subsequent use of said cuvettes, and (f) control means for coordinating the feeder conveyor and the event conveyor.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 142 words

A feed and orientation mechanism as recited in Claim 63, wherein said orientation chute extends at a substantial angle relative to the plane of said event conveyor from one side of said event conveyor, said cuvette is conveyed so that said flanges are parallel with the path of travel of said cuvette along said conveyor so that the path of travel of said cuvette along said sliding axis is at a substantial angle relative to the plane of the path of travel of said cuvette along said event conveyor and, wherein said tube has a twisted inner wall surface for causing each cuvette to rotate about its vertical axis as it falls through the tube, so that when the cuvette reaches said third point, the flanges of the cuvette are parallel with the path of travel of said cuvette along said conveyor.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 221 words

A reagent transport and selection means in which a test sample to be assayed is contained in a cuvette at a vertical reagent dispense axis, and aspirating means are provided for aspirating a volume of liquid reagent from a reagent container at a vertical reagent aspirating axis, moving to said reagent dispense axis and depositing said volume of reagent into said cuvette, comprising: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a reagent tray which is mounted on said base for rotation about a primary vertical axis of rotation, said tray supporting a plurality of reagent containers which are arranged in a circle which is concentric with said axis and which are vertically aligned with said second point, each of said containers being mounted on said tray for rotation relative to said tray about one of a plurality of secondary vertical axes of rotation along said circle, (c) first drive means including a first electric motor for rotating said tray about said primary vertical axis of rotation, (d) second drive means including a second electric motor for rotating each of said containers about its respective secondary axis of rotation for agitating the reagent in said containers, and (e) electrical control means for controlling the operation of said electric motor for selectively positioning any one of said reagent containers to said reagent aspirating axis.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 41 words

A reagent transport and selection means as recited in Claim 65, wherein each of said reagent containers includes a chamber for holding reagent and at least one fin which extends into said chamber for agitating said reagent as the container rotates.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 43 words

A reagent transport and selection means as recited in Claim 65, wherein said second electric motor is reversible and each of said containers is rotated at times clockwise when viewed from the top and at other times counterclockwise when viewed from the top.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 58 words

A reagent transport and selection means as recited in Claim 67, wherein said second electric motor is a stepper motor and said electrical control means includes a central processing unit which controls the input speed, direction of rotation and acceleration of the stepper motor to produce a desired controlled turbulent motion of the liquid in the reagent containers.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 132 words

A reagent transport and selection means as recited in Claim 65, wherein said second drive means comprises: (a) a holder for each of said reagent containers which is mounted for rotation about one of said secondary axes on said tray, (b) a satellite gear for each of said containers, each of said satellite gears being fixed to its respective container and concentric with the respective secondary axis of the container, (c) a sun gear which is concentric with said primary axis and is in driving engagement with each of said satellite gears so that rotation of said sun gear about said primary axis causes each of said satellite gears to rotate about its respective secondary axis, and (d) a drive coupling for operatively connecting said second electric motor to said sun gear.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 141 words

A reagent transport and selection means as recited in Claim 69, wherein each satellite gear has teeth on its outer periphery, wherein said sun gear is ring-shaped with teeth on its outer periphery for engaging the teeth of said satellite gears, wherein said second electric motor is located within said sun gear and has a drive shaft which extends along said primary axis, and wherein said drive coupling comprises: (a) a hub gear which is fixed to the drive shaft of said second electric motor and which has a plurality of first driving protuberances which are located in a concentric circle about said primary axis, and (b) a plurality of second driving protuberances on said sun gear which are located in a circle which is concentric about said primary axis and which are in driving engagement with said first driving protuberances.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 131 words

A reagent transport and selection means as recited in Claim 65, wherein said reagent containers represent a first set of containers and each container of said first set of containers contains a solid phase reagent which includes paramagnetic particles which requires agitation to maintain homogeneity, said first set of reagent containers being located in a first circle which is concentric with said primary vertical axis of rotation and, wherein a second set of reagent containers are mounted on said tray in a second circle which is concentric with said primary vertical axis of rotation, each of said second containers being adjacent to and paired with a corresponding first reagent container and containing a labeled reagent that is used in conjunction with its paired solid phase reagent for a particular test assay.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 191 words

A reagent transport and selection means as recited in Claim 65, wherein each of said electric motors is a reversible stepper motor and said electric control means comprises: (a) a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said electric motors, (b) an interrupt sensor which is operatively connected to said central processing unit and mounted on said supporting base, said sensor having a transmitting portion for transmitting an energy beam and a receptor portion for receiving said beam, and (c) a plurality of tabs which are mounted for rotation with said tray, said tabs being arranged in a circle about said primary vertical axis of rotation so that there is a tab for each reagent container position, each tab being positioned to pass between the transmitting and receptor portions of said sensor when the tray is rotated so that as each tab passes between said transmitting and receptor portions the tab interrupts said beam which provides a signal to said central processing unit for providing appropriate signals to said stepper motor to position said tray so that a predetermined reagent container position is located at said second reagent aspirating axis.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 96 words

A reagent transport and selection means as recited in Claim 72, wherein said electric control means further comprises a fixed bar code reader which is operatively connected to said central processing unit and which is directed toward said reagent containers and a specific bar code label on each of said reagent containers for being sequentially read by said bar code reader as said tray rotates about said primary vertical axis to enable said central processing unit to correlate each reagent container with a specific reagent which corresponds to the specific bar code label on the container.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 367 words

A reagent delivery means for an automated analyzer to assay a test sample in which a test sample is contained in a cuvette at a vertical reagent dispense axis, said delivery means serving to add a volume of liquid reagent to said cuvette at said reagent dispense axis and comprising: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a reagent tray which is mounted on said base for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation, (c) a plurality of first reagent containers which are arranged along a first circle which is concentric with said vertical axis of rotation for containing a first category of liquid reagent, (d) a plurality of second reagent containers which are arranged along a second circle which is concentric with said vertical axis of rotation for containing a second category of liquid reagent, (e) a vertical reagent aspirating and dispensing probe which has a lower free end, (f) electrically actuated pressure control means operatively connected to said probe for enabling fluid to be aspirated into said probe and for fluid to be dispensed from said probe, (g) mounting and positioning means for selectively moving said probe into vertical alignment with said reagent dispense axis, a first reagent aspirating axis at said first circle and a second reagent aspirating axis at said second circle, (h) first electrical drive means for rotating said tray about said vertical axis, (i) second electrical drive means for raising and lowering said probe, and (j) electrical control means operatively connected to said first and second electrical drive means and to said pressure control means for selectively positioning said first reagent containers to said first reagent aspirating axis and said second reagent containers to said second reagent aspirating axis for selectively positioning said probe above a reagent container at either of said first and second reagent aspirating axes, for selectively lowering said probe into a selectively positioned reagent container at either of said first and second reagent aspirating axes for aspirating a predetermined volume of reagent solution from said selectively positioned reagent container, raising said probe, positioning said probe above said cuvette at said reagent dispense axis, and lowering said probe into cuvette and dispensing said volume of reagent into said cuvette.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 106 words

A reagent delivery means as recited in Claim 74, wherein said electrical control means comprises: (a) a central processing unit, (b) an optical sensing unit operatively connected to said central processing unit, (c) first identifying indicia on each of said reagent containers which is specific to the particular type of reagent in the container and which can be identified by said optical sensing unit, and (d) second identifying indicia at spaced points on said tray adjacent each of said reagent containers each of said second identifying indicia being specific to a particular location on the tray and which can be identified by said optical sensing unit.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 204 words

A sample transport and selection means for an automated analyzer in which an empty cuvette is located at a vertical dispense axis, aspirating and dispensing means are provided for aspirating a volume of sample to be analyzed from a container at a vertical aspirating axis, moving to said dispense axis and dispensing said volume of sample into said cuvette at said dispense axis, and conveyor means are provided for conveying said cuvette from said dispense axis for subsequent use by said analyzer, the sample transport and selection means comprising: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a tray which is mounted on said base for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation, (c) a plurality of sample containers which are supported on said tray in a circle which is concentric with said axis of rotation and which intersects said aspirating axis, each of said containers containing a specific sample for analysis, (d) drive means including an electric motor for rotating said tray about said axis of rotation, and (e) electrical control means for controlling the operation of said electric motor for selectively positioning any one of said sample containers to said aspirating axis for aspiration of the sample in the container by said aspirating means.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 208 words

A sample transport and selection means as recited in Claim 76, wherein said aspirating axis is a first aspirating axis, said aspirating and dispensing means is capable of aspirating a volume of sample at a second vertical aspirating axis, said tray is an inner tray, said sample containers are inner sample containers, said drive means is a first drive means and said sample transport and selection system further comprises: (a) an outer ring-shaped tray which surrounds said inner tray and is mounted for rotation about said axis of rotation independently of said inner tray, (b) a plurality of outer sample containers which are supported on said outer tray in a circle which is concentric with said axis of rotation, each of said sample containers containing a specific sample for analysis, and (c) second drive means including an electric motor for rotating said outer tray about said axis of rotation independently of said inner tray, said electric motor being operatively connected to said electrical control means so that any one of said outer sample containers is selectively positioned to said second aspirating axis for aspiration of a volume of sample by said aspirating and dispensing means from an outer sample container which is positioned at said second aspirating axis.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 182 words

A sample transport and selection means as recited in Claim 76, wherein said electric motor is a reversible stepper motor and said electric control means comprises: (a) a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said electric motor, (b) an interrupt sensor which is operatively connected to said central processing unit and mounted on said supporting base, said sensor having a transmitting portion for transmitting an energy beam and a receptor portion for receiving said beam, and (c) a plurality of tabs which are mounted for rotation with said tray, said tabs being arranged in a circle about said vertical axis so that there is a tab for each reagent container, each tab being positioned to pass between the transmitting and receptor portions of said sensor when the tray is rotated so that as each tab passes between said transmitting and receptor portions, the tab interrupts said beam which provides a signal to said central processing unit for providing appropriate signals to said stepper motor to position said tray so that a predetermined sample container is located at said second point.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 94 words

A sample transport and selection means as recited in Claim 78, wherein said electric control means comprises a fixed bar code reader which is operatively connected to said central processing unit and which is directed toward said sample containers and a specific bar code label on each of said reagent containers for being sequentially read by said bar code reader as said tray rotates about said vertical axis to enable said central processing unit to correlate each sample container with a specific sample which corresponds to the specific bar code label on the container.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 154 words

A sample transport and selection means as recited in Claim 78, wherein said electric control means comprises a photo reflector sensor which is fixed relative to said base and which has a beam transmitting portion for transmitting an energy beam toward said tray and a beam transmitting portion for receiving a reflected energy beam and, wherein said tray has a reflective surface which reflects the beam from the transmitting portion of said photo reflector sensor to the beam receiving portion of said photo reflector sensor, said tray having an aperture which is aligned with said beam when said tray is at a predetermined starting position relative to said base so that the beam passes through said aperture and thereby interrupts the reflection of said beam to the beam receiving portion of said photo reflector sensor which provides a signal to said central processing unit to indicate that the tray is at said starting position.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 303 words

A liquid aspirating and dispensing means for an automated analyzer in which a cuvette is located at a vertical dispense axis and a container at a vertical aspirating axis which contains a liquid solution which is to be used as part of the analysis, said liquid aspirating and dispensing means comprising: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a carriage which is mounted on said supporting base for horizontal movement between said dispense axis and said aspirating axis, (c) first drive means for selectively moving said carriage between said dispense axis and said aspirating axis, (d) aspirating and dispensing means which includes an aspirating and dispensing probe for selectively aspirating and dispensing a volume of liquid, (e) a probe supporting assembly which is mounted on said carriage for vertical movement between an upper position and a lower position, said probe being mounted on said assembly so that said probe extends into said container when said assembly is at said lower position and said carriage is at said aspirating axis for aspirating a volume of liquid from said container and so that said probe extends into said cuvette when said assembly is at said lower position and said carriage is at said dispensing axis for dispensing a volume of liquid into said cuvette, (f) second drive means for selectively moving said probe supporting assembly between said upper position and said lower position, and (g) control means which is operatively connected to said aspirating and dispensing means, said first drive means and said second drive means for moving said carriage to said aspirating axis, lowering said probe into said container, aspirating a volume of fluid from said container, raising said probe from said container, moving said carriage to said dispensing axis, lowering said probe into said cuvette and dispensing said volume of liquid into said cuvette.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 30 words

A liquid aspirating and dispensing means as recited in Claim 81, wherein said control means determines the depth of penetration of said probe into the liquid solution in said container.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 50 words

A liquid aspirating and dispensing means as recited in Claim 81, wherein said first drive means includes a first electric motor, said second drive means includes a second electric motor and said control means includes a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said first and second electric motors.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 47 words

A liquid aspirating and dispensing means as recited in Claim 83, wherein each of said electric motors is a reversible stepper motor, said first motor being fixed relative to said supporting base, and said second motor being fixed relative to said carriage and movable with said carriage.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 234 words

A liquid aspirating and dispensing means as recited in Claim 84, wherein said first drive means comprises: (a) a first horizontal lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivingly connected to said first motor for rotation of said lead screw about said central longitudinal axis, and (b) a first threaded follower which is fixed to said carriage and which is mounted on said lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said follower moves axially along said lead screw toward said aspirating axis when said lead screw is rotated in a first direction and toward said dispensing axis when the lead screw is rotated in a second direction, and wherein said second drive means comprises: (1) a second vertical lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivingly connected to said second motor for rotation of said second lead screw about the central longitudinal axis of said lead screw, (2) a second threaded follower which is fixed to said probe supporting assembly and which is mounted on said second lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said probe holding assembly moves downwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a first direction and upwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a second direction.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 102 words

A liquid aspirating and delivery means as recited in Claim 83, wherein said control means comprises: (a) first sensing means operatively connected to said central processing unit for monitoring the horizontal movement of said carriage and providing signals to said central processing unit which are indicative of the position of the carriage relative to the supporting base, and (b) second sensing means operatively connected to said central processing unit for monitoring the vertical movement of said probe supporting assembly and providing signals to said central processing unit which are indicative of the position of the probe supporting assembly relative to the carriage.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 105 words

A liquid aspirating and delivery means as recited in Claim 86, wherein said first sensing means comprises: (a) an optical interrupt sensor which is fixed relative to said supporting base and which has a transmitting portion for transmitting an energy beam and a receptor portion for receiving said beam, and (b) at least one tab which is movable with said probe supporting assembly, which passes between the beam transmitting and receptor portions of said optical sensor when said support assembly reaches a predetermined horizontal position for sending a signal to said central processing unit indicating that said supporting assembly is at said predetermined horizontal position.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 105 words

A liquid aspirating and delivery means as recited in Claim 86, wherein said second sensing means comprises: (a) an optical interrupt sensor which is fixed relative to said probe supporting assembly and which has a transmitting portion for transmitting an energy beam and a receptor portion for receiving said beam, and (b) a tab which is fixed relative to said second threaded follower which passes between the beam transmitting and receptor portions of said optical sensor when said second threaded follower reaches said upper position for sending a signal to said central processing unit indicating that said second threaded follower is at said upper position.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 255 words

A sample delivery system for depositing a test sample into a curvette at a sample dispense axis, for use in an automated analyzer to assay a test sample, said analyzer having an event conveyor for conveying a plurality of cuvettes serially along an event path which includes a vertical sample dispense axis, said sample delivery system comprising: (a) sample transport and selection means adjacent one side of said event conveyor for supporting a plurality of sample containers, each of said sample containers containing a different liquid test sample to be analyzed and for selectively positioning any one of said sample containers at a vertical sample aspirating axis which is spaced from said sample dispense axis, (b) sample probe transport means for supporting a sample aspirating and dispensing probe for selective vertical movement between an upper inactive position to a lower aspirating and dispensing position and for horizontal movement between said sample dispense axis and said sample aspirating axis, and (c) control means including a central processing means operatively connected to said sample transport and selection means and said sample probe transport means for selectively positioning a predetermined sample container and said sample probe at said sample aspirating axis, lowering said sample probe to said lower position for aspirating a volume of sample from said predetermined sample container, raising said probe to said upper position, moving said probe horizontally to said sample dispense axis, and lowering said probe to said lower position for dispensing said volume of sample into a cuvette at said sample dispense axis.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 28 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 89, wherein said control means determines the depth of penetration of said probe into the liquid solution in said container.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 102 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 90, wherein said sample transport and selection means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a tray which is mounted on said base for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation, said sample containers being supported on said tray in a circle which is concentric with said axis of rotation and which intersects said aspirating axis, and (c) drive means including an electric motor for rotating said troy about said axis of rotation, said motor being controlled by said control means for selectively positioning any one of said sample containers at said aspirating axis.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 205 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 91, wherein said aspirating axis is a first aspirating axis, said aspirating and dispensing means is capable of aspirating a volume of sample at a second vertical aspirating axis, said tray is an inner tray, said sample containers are inner sample containers, said drive means is a first drive means and said sample transport and selection system further comprises: (a) an outer ring-shaped tray which surrounds said inner tray and is mounted for rotation about said axis of rotation independently of said inner tray, (b) a plurality of outer sample containers which are supported on said outer tray in a circle which is concentric with said axis of rotation, each of said sample containers containing a specific sample for analysis, (c) second drive means including an electric motor for rotating said outer tray about said axis of rotation independently of said inner tray, said electric motor being operatively connected to said electrical control means so that any one of said outer sample containers is selectively positioned to said second aspirating axis for aspiration of a volume of sample by said aspirating and dispensing means from an outer sample container which is positioned at said second aspirating axis.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 92 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 90 wherein said sample probe transport means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a carriage which is mounted on said supporting base for horizontal movement between said sample dispense axis and said sample aspirating axis, (c) first drive means for selectively controlling the vertical movement of said carriage, (d) a probe supporting assembly which supports said probe and which is mounted on said carriage for vertical movement, and (e) second drive means for selectively controlling the vertical movement of said probe supporting assembly.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 48 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 93, wherein said first drive means includes a first electric motor, said second drive means includes a second electric motor and said control means includes a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said first and second electric motors.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 45 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 94, wherein each of said electric motors is a reversible stepper motor, said first motor being fixed relative to said supporting base, and said second motor being fixed relative to said carriage and movable with said carriage.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 231 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 95, wherein said first drive means comprises: (a) a first horizontal lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivenly connected to said first motor for rotation of said lead screw about said central longitudinal axis, (b) a first threaded follower which is fixed to said carriage and which is mounted on said lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said follower moves axially along said lead screw toward said aspirating axis when said lead screw is rotated in a first direction and toward said dispensing axis when the lead screw is rotated in a second direction, and wherein said second drive means comprises: (1) a second vertical lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivenly connected to said second motor for rotation of said second lead screw about the central longitudinal axis of said lead screw, (2) a second threaded follower which is fixed to said probe supporting assembly and which is mounted on said second lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said probe holding assembly moves downwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a first direction and upwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a second direction.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 100 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 94, wherein said control means comprises: (a) first sensing means operatively connected to said central processing unit for monitoring the horizontal movement of said carriage and proving signals to said central processing unit which are indicative of the position of the carriage relative to the supporting base, and (b) second sensing means operatively connected to said central processing unit for monitoring the vertical movement of said probe supporting assembly and providing signals to said central processing unit which are indicative of the position of the probe supporting assembly relative to the carriage.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 87 words

A sample delivery system as recited in Claim 90, wherein said analyzer comprises a wash station having a receptacle which has an open top and which is located along a vertical wash axis, said wash axis being located between said dispense axis and said aspirating axis, said sample probe transport means being controlled by said control means for positioning said sample probe at said wash axis and lowering said probe into said receptacle for a wash cycle after dispensing of sample into said cuvette by said probe.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 259 words

A dispensing means for depositing reagent into a curvette at a reagent dispense axis, for use in an automated analyzer to assay a test sample, said analyzer having an event conveyer for conveying a plurality of cuvettes serially along an event path which includes a vertical sample dispense axis and a vertical reagent dispense axis which is spaced from and downstream of said sample dispense axis apparatus, said dispensing means comprising: (a) reagent transport and selection means for supporting a plurality of reagent containers, each reagent container containing a different liquid reagent, and for selectively positioning any one of said reagent containers at a vertical reagent aspirating axis which is spaced from said reagent dispense axis, (b) reagent probe transport means for supporting a reagent aspirating and dispense probe for selective vertical movement between an upper position and a lower aspirating and dispense position and for horizontal movement between said reagent dispense axis and said reagent aspirating axis, and (c) control means including a central processing means operatively connected to said reagent transport and selection means and said reagent probe transport means for selectively positioning a predetermined reagent container and said reagent probe at said reagent aspirating axis, lowering said reagent probe to said lower position for aspirating a volume of reagent from said predetermined reagent container, raising said probe to said upper position, moving said probe horizontally to said reagent dispense axis, and lowering said probe to said lower position for dispensing said volume of reagent into a cuvette which contains test sample at said reagent dispense axis.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 27 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 99, wherein said control means determines the depth of penetration of said probe into the liquid solution in said container.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 167 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 99, wherein said reagent transport and selection means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a reagent tray which is mounted on said base for rotation about a primary vertical axis of rotation, said reagent containers being arranged on said tray along a circle which is concentric with said primary axis of rotation and which intersects said reagent aspirating axis, each of said reagent containers being mounted on said tray for rotation about one of a plurality of secondary vertical axes along said circle, (c) first drive means including an electric motor for rotating said tray about said primary vertical axis of rotation, and (d) second drive means including a second electric motor for rotating each of said reagent containers about its respective secondary axis of rotation for agitating the reagent in said containers, and wherein said control means controls the operation of said electric motor for selectively positioning any one of said reagent containers to said reagent aspirating axis.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 38 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 101, wherein each of said reagent containers includes a chamber for holding reagent and at least one fin which extends into said chamber for agitating said reagent as the container rotates.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 40 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 101, wherein said second electric motor is reversible and each of said containers is rotated at times clockwise when viewed from the top and at other times counterclockwise when viewed from the top.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 55 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 103, wherein said second electric motor is a stepper motor and said electrical control means includes a central processing unit which controls the input speed, direction of rotation and acceleration of the stepper motor to produce a desired controlled turbulent motion of the liquid in the reagent containers.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 128 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 104 said second drive means comprises: (a) a holder for each of said reagent containers which is mounted for rotation about one of said secondary axes on said tray, (b) a satellite gear for each of said holders, each of said satellite gears being fixed to its respective container and concentric with the respective secondary axis of the container, (c) a sun gear which is concentric with said primary axis and is in driving engagement with each of said satellite gears so that rotation of said sun gear about said primary axis causes each of said satellite gears to rotate about its respective secondary axis, and (d) a drive coupling for operatively connecting said second electric motor to said sun gear.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 138 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 105, wherein each satellite gear has teeth on its outer periphery, wherein said sun gear is ring-shaped with teeth on its outer periphery for engaging the teeth of said satellite gears, wherein said second electric motor is located within said sun gear and has a drive shaft which extends along said primary axis, and wherein said drive coupling comprises: (a) a hub gear which is fixed to the drive shaft of said second electric motor and which has a plurality of first driving protuberances which are located in a concentric circle about said primary axis, and (b) a plurality of second driving protuberances on said sun gear which are located in a circle which is concentric about said primary axis and which are in driving engagement with said first driving protuberances.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 128 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 101, wherein said reagent containers represent a first set of containers and each container of said first set of containers contains a solid phase reagent which includes paramagnetic particles which requires agitation to maintain homogeneity, said first set of reagent containers being located in a first circle which is concentric with said primary vertical axis of rotation and, wherein a second set of reagent containers are mounted on said tray in a second circle which is concentric with said primary vertical axis of rotation, each of said second containers being adjacent to and paired with a corresponding first reagent container and containing a labeled reagent that is used in conjunction with its paired solid phase reagent for a particular test assay.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 186 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 101, wherein each of said electric motors is a reversible stepper motor and said electric control means comprises: (a) a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said electric motors, (b) an interrupt sensor which is operatively connected to said central processing unit and mounted on said supporting base, said sensor having a transmitting portion for transmitting an energy beam and a receptor portion for receiving said beam, and (c) a plurality of tabs which are mounted for rotation with said tray, said tabs being arranged in a circle about said primary vertical axis of rotation so that there is a tab for each reagent container, each tab being positioned to pass between the transmitting and receptor portions of said sensor when the tray is rotated so that as each tab passes between said transmitting and receptor portions the tab interrupts said beam which provides a signal to said central processing unit for providing appropriate signals to said stepper motor to position said tray so that a predetermined reagent container is located at said second reagent aspirating axis.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 91 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 99, wherein said reagent probe transport means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a carriage which is mounted on said supporting base for horizontal movement between said reagent dispense axis and said reagent aspirating axis, (c) first drive means for selectively controlling the vertical movement of said carriage, (d) a probe supporting assembly which supports said probe and which is mounted on said carriage for vertical movement, and (e) second drive means for selectively controlling the vertical movement of said probe supporting assembly.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 47 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 109, wherein said first drive means includes a first electric motor, said second drive means includes a second electric motor and said control means includes a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said first and second electric motors.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 44 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 110, wherein each of said electric motors is a reversible stepper motor, said first motor being fixed relative to said supporting base, and said second motor being fixed relative to said carriage and movable with said carriage.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 230 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 109, wherein said first drive means comprises: (a) a first horizontal lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivenly connected to said first motor for rotation of said lead screw about said central longitudinal axis, (b) a first threaded follower which is fixed to said carriage and which is mounted on said lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said follower moves axially along said lead screw toward said aspirating axis when said lead screw is rotated in a first direction and toward said dispensing axis when the lead screw is rotated in a second direction, and wherein said second drive means comprises: (1) a second vertical lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivenly connected to said second motor for rotation of said second lead screw about the central longitudinal axis of said lead screw, (2) a second threaded follower which is fixed to said probe supporting assembly and which is mounted on said second lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said probe holding assembly moves downwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a first direction and upwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a second direction.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 99 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 110, wherein said control means comprises: (a) first sensing means operatively connected to said central processing unit for monitoring the horizontal movement of said carriage and proving signals to said central processing unit which are indicative of the position of the carriage relative to the supporting base, and (b) second sensing means operatively connected to said central processing unit for monitoring the vertical movement of said probe supporting assembly and providing signals to said central processing unit which are indicative of the position of the probe supporting assembly relative to the carriage.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 87 words

A dispensing means as recited in Claim 99, wherein said analyzer comprises a wash station having a receptacle which has an open top and which is located along a vertical wash axis, said wash station being located between said reagent dispense axis and said reagent aspirating axis, said reagent probe transport means being controlled by said control means for positioning said sample probe at said wash axis and lowering said probe into said receptacle for a wash cycle after dispensing reagent into said cuvette by said probe.

Claim 115

Independent Claim 459 words

An apparatus for selectively dispensing reagent into first and second vertical reagent dispense axes, for use in an automated analyzer to assay a test sample, said analyzer having an event conveyor for conveying a plurality of cuvettes along an event path which includes a vertical sample dispense axis, said first vertical reagent dispense axis which is spaced from and downstream of said sample dispense axis and said second vertical reagent dispense axis which is spaced from and downstream of said first reagent axis, said apparatus comprising: (a) a reagent transport and selection means for supporting a plurality of first reagent containers which contain labeled reagent and a plurality of second reagent container which contain solid phase reagent, and for selectively positioning any one of said first reagent containers at one of a first vertical reagent aspirating axis and a second vertical reagent aspirating axis and for selectively positioning and one of said second reagent containers at one of a third vertical reagent aspirating axis and a fourth vertical reagent aspirating axis, (b) a first reagent probe transport means for supporting a first reagent aspirating and dispense probe for selective vertical movement between an upper position and a lower aspirating and dispense position and for selective horizontal movement between said first reagent dispense axis and either of said first and third reagent dispense axes, (c) a second reagent probe transport means for supporting a second reagent aspirating and dispensing probe for selective vertical movement between an upper position and a lower aspirating and dispense position and for selective horizontal movement between said second reagent dispense axis and either of said second and fourth reagent dispense axes, and (d) control means including a central processing unit operatively connected to said reagent transport and selection means, said first reagent probe transport means and said second reagent transport means for selectively positioning a predetermined first reagent container at either of said first and second reagent aspirating axes and a predetermined second reagent container at either of said third and fourth reagent aspirating axes, for selectively positioning said first reagent probe for aspirating reagent from a selected first reagent container at said first reagent aspirating axis or a selected second reagent container at said third reagent aspirating axis, or from both of said selected first and second selected reagent containers and for dispensing aspirated reagent into a cuvette at said first reagent dispense axis, and, for selectively positioning said second reagent probe for aspirating reagent from a selected first reagent container at said second reagent aspirating axis or a selected second reagent container at said fourth reagent aspirating axis, or from both of said selected first and second reagent containers and for dispensing aspirated reagent into a cuvette at said second reagent dispense axis.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 85 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 115, wherein said second reagent probe is mounted for movement along a straight horizontal path and said fourth reagent aspirating axis, said second reagent aspirating axis and said second reagent dispense axis are located along said horizontal path, and, wherein said first reagent aspirating and dispensing probe is mounted for movement along a curved horizontal path and said first reagent aspirating axis, said third reagent aspirating axis and said first reagent dispense axis are located along said curved path.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 109 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 116, wherein said analyzer has a fixed supporting base and each of said first and second reagent probe transport means comprising: (a) a carriage which is mounted on said supporting base for said horizontal movement, and (b) a probe supporting assembly which is mounted on said carriage for vertical movement relative to said carriage, the probe supporting assembly which supports said first probe being also mounted on said carriage for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation and drive means are provided for rotating said rotatable probe supporting assembly as said carriage moves horizontally for moving said first probe along said curved path.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 106 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 115, wherein said reagent transport and selection means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a reagent tray which is mounted on said base for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation, said first reagent containers being mounted on said tray along a first circle which is concentric with said vertical axis of rotation, and said second reagent containers being mounted on said tray along a second circle which is concentric with said vertical axis of rotation, and (c) drive means which is operatively connected to said control means for selectively rotating said tray about said vertical axis of rotation.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 57 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 118, wherein each of said second reagent containers being mounted on said tray for rotation about one of a plurality of secondary vertical axes of rotation along said second circle, and wherein secondary drive means are provided for rotating each of said second reagent containers about its respective secondary vertical axis.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 130 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 115, wherein said analyzer further comprises: (a) a first wash station for said first reagent probe said first wash station having a receptacle which has an open top and which is located along a vertical wash axis between said first reagent dispense axis and said reagent transport means, and (b) a second wash station for said second reagent probe, said second wash station having a receptacle which has an open top and which is located along a vertical wash axis between said second reagent dispense point and said reagent transport means, each of said first and second reagent probe transport means being controlled by said control means for inserting its reagent probe into its respective wash station after dispensing of reagent into a cuvette.

Claim 121

Independent Claim 389 words

An apparatus for depositing sample and reagent into curvettes which are conveyed along an event path, for use in an automated analyzer to assay a test sample, said analyzer having an event conveyor for conveying a plurality of cuvettes serially along said event path which includes a vertical sample dispense axis and a vertical reagent dispense axis which is spaced from and downstream of said sample dispense axis, said apparatus comprising: (a) sample transport and selection means for supporting a plurality of sample containers, each container containing a different liquid sample to be analyzed and for selectively positioning any one of said sample containers at a vertical sample aspirating axis which is spaced from said sample dispense axis, (b) sample probe transport means for supporting a sample probe for selective vertical movement between an upper position and a lower dispense and aspirating position and horizontal movement between said sample aspirating axis and said sample dispense axis for aspirating a volume of sample from a sample container at said sample aspiration axis and depositing said volume of sample into a cuvette at said sample dispense axis, (c) reagent transport and selection means for supporting a plurality of reagent containers, each reagent container containing a different reagent and for selectively positioning any one of said reagent containers at a vertical reagent aspirating axis which is spaced from said reagent dispense axis, (d) reagent probe transport means for supporting a reagent aspirating and dispensing probe for selective vertical movement between an upper position and a lower aspirating and dispense position and for horizontal movement between said reagent dispense axis and said reagent aspirating axis, and (e) control means including a central processing means operatively connected to said sample transport and selection means, said sample probe transport means, said reagent transport and selection means, and said reagent probe transport means, for aspirating a volume of a specified test sample from a selectively positioned sample container at said sample aspirating axis and dispensing said specific test sample into a cuvette at said sample dispense axis, for aspirating a volume of a specific reagent which corresponds with said specific test sample at said reagent aspirating axis from a selectively positioned reagent container and dispensing said specific reagent into a cuvette which contains said specific sample when the cuvette is located at said reagent dispense axis.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 99 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 121, wherein said sample transport and selection means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a tray which is mounted on said base for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation, said sample containers being supported on said tray in a circle which is concentric with said axis of rotation and which intersects said aspirating axis, and (c) drive means including an electric motor for rotating said tray about said axis rotation, said motor being controlled by said control means for selectively positioning any one of said sample containers at said aspirating axis.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 201 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 122, wherein said aspirating axis is a first aspirating axis, said aspirating means is capable of aspirating a volume of sample at a second vertical aspirating axis, said tray is an inner tray, said sample containers are inner sample containers, said drive means is a first drive means and said sample transport and selection system further comprises: (a) an outer ring-shaped tray which surrounds said inner tray and is mounted for rotation about said axis of rotation independently of said inner tray, (b) a plurality of outer sample containers which are supported on said outer tray in a circle which is concentric with said axis of rotation, each of said containers containing a specific sample for analysis, and (c) second drive means including an electric motor for rotating said outer tray about said axis of rotation independently of said inner tray, said electric motor being operatively connected to said electrical control means so that any one of said outer sample containers is selectively positioned to said second aspirating axis for aspiration of a volume of sample by said aspirating and dispensing means from an outer sample container which is positioned at said second aspirating axis.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 90 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 121 wherein said sample probe transport means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a carriage which is mounted on said supporting base for horizontal movement between said sample dispense axis and said sample aspirating axis, (c) first drive means for selectively controlling the vertical movement of said carriage, (d) a probe supporting assembly which supports said probe and which is mounted on said carriage for vertical movement, and (e) second drive means for selectively controlling the vertical movement of said probe supporting assembly.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 46 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 124, wherein said first drive means includes a first electric motor, said second drive means includes a second electric motor and said control means includes a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said first and second electric motors.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 43 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 125, wherein each of said electric motors is a reversible stepper motor, said first motor being fixed relative to said supporting base, and said second motor being fixed relative to said carriage and movable with said carriage.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 229 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 126, wherein said first drive means comprises: (a) a first horizontal lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivenly connected to said first motor for rotation of said lead screw about said central longitudinal axis, (b) a first threaded follower which is fixed to said carriage and which is mounted on said lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said follower moves axially along said lead screw toward said aspirating axis when said lead screw is rotated in a first direction and toward said dispensing axis when the lead screw is rotated in a second direction, and wherein said second drive means comprises: (1) a second vertical lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivenly connected to said second motor for rotation of said second lead screw about the central longitudinal axis of said lead screw, (2) a second threaded follower which is fixed to said probe supporting assembly and which is mounted on said second lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said probe holding assembly moves downwardly along said second lead screw -when said second lead screw is rotated in a first direction and upwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a second direction.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 88 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 121, wherein said analyzer comprises a wash station having a receptacle which has an open top and which is located along a vertical wash axis, said wash axis being located between said dispenses axis and said aspirating axis, said sample probe transport means being controlled by said control means for positioning said sample aspirating and dispensing probe at said wash axis and lowering said probe into said receptacle for a wash cycle after dispensing of sample into said cuvette by said probe.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 166 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 121, wherein said reagent transport and selection means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a reagent tray which is mounted on said base for rotation about a primary vertical axis of rotation, said reagent containers being arranged on said tray along a circle which is concentric with said primary axis of rotation and which intersects said reagent aspirating axis, each of said reagent containers being mounted on said tray for rotation about one of a plurality of secondary vertical axes along said circle, (c) first drive means including an electric motor for rotating said tray about said primary vertical axis of rotation, and (d) second drive means including a second electric motor for rotating each of said reagent containers about its respective secondary axis of rotation for agitating the reagent in said containers, and wherein said control means controls the operation of said electric motor for selectively positioning any one of said reagent containers to said reagent aspirating axis.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 37 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 129, wherein each of said reagent containers includes a chamber for holding reagent and at least one fin which extends into said chamber for agitating said reagent as the container rotates.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 39 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 129, wherein said second electric motor is reversible and each of said containers is rotated at times clockwise when viewed from the top and at other times counterclockwrise when viewed from the top.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 54 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 131, wherein said second electric motor is a stepper motor and said electrical control means includes a central processing unit which controls the input speed, direction of rotation and acceleration of the stepper motor to produce a desired controlled turbulent motion of the liquid in the reagent containers.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 128 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 129, wherein said second drive means comprises: (a) a holder for each of said reagent containers which is mounted for rotation about one of said secondary axes on said tray, (b) a satellite gear for each of said containers, each of said satellite gears being fixed to its respective container and concentric with the respective secondary axis of the container, (c) a sun gear which is concentric with said primary axis and is in driving engagement with each of said satellite gears so that rotation of said sun gear about said primary axis causes each of said satellite gears to rotate about its respective secondary axis, and (d) a drive coupling for operatively connecting said second electric motor to said sun gear.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 127 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 129, wherein said reagent containers represent a first set of containers and each container of said first set of containers contains a solid phase reagent which includes paramagnetic particles which requires agitation to maintain homogeneity, said first set of reagent containers being located in a first circle which is concentric with said primary vertical axis of rotation and, wherein a second set of reagent containers are mounted on said tray in a second circle which is concentric with said primary vertical axis of rotation, each of said second containers being adjacent to and paired with a corresponding first reagent container and containing a tracer reagent that is used in conjunction with its paired solid phase reagent for a particular sample test.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 90 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 121, wherein said reagent probe transport means comprises: (a) a fixed supporting base, (b) a carriage which is mounted on said supporting base for horizontal movement between said reagent dispense axis and said reagent aspirating axis, (c) first drive means for selectively controlling the vertical movement of said carriage, (d) a probe supporting assembly which supports said probe and which is mounted on said carriage for vertical movement, and (e) second drive means for selectively controlling the vertical movement of said probe supporting assembly.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 46 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 135, wherein said first drive means includes a first electric motor, said second drive means includes a second electric motor and said control means includes a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said first and second electric motors.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 43 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 136, wherein each of said electric motors is a reversible stepper motor, said first motor being fixed relative to said supporting base, and said second motor being fixed relative to said carriage and movable with said carriage.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 229 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 137, wherein said first drive means comprises: (a) a first horizontal lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivenly connected to said first motor for rotation of said lead screw about said central longitudinal axis, (b) a first threaded follower which is fixed to said carriage and which is mounted on said lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said follower moves axially along said lead screw toward said aspirating axis when said lead screw is rotated in a first direction and toward said dispensing axis when the lead screw is rotated in a second direction, and wherein said second drive means comprises: (1) a second vertical lead screw which has a central longitudinal axis and which is drivenly connected to said second motor for rotation of said second lead screw about the central longitudinal axis of said lead screw, (2) a second threaded follower which is fixed to said probe supporting assembly and which is mounted on said second lead screw for movement along the axis of said lead screw so that said probe holding assembly moves downwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a first direction and upwardly along said second lead screw when said second lead screw is rotated in a second direction.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 98 words

An apparatus as recited in Claim 136, wherein said control means comprises: (a) first sensing means operatively connected to said central processing unit for monitoring the horizontal movement of said carriage and proving signals to said central processing unit which are indicative of the position of the carriage relative to the supporting base, and (b) second sensing means operatively connected to said central processing unit for monitoring the vertical movement of said probe supporting assembly and providing signals to said central processing unit which are indicative of the position of the probe supporting assembly relative to the carriage.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 158 words

An isolation means for an automated analyzer to assay a test sample in a cuvette which is conveyed along an event path, said cuvette having a bottom wall, a side wall and an open top, said cuvette containing a labeled reagent and a solid-phase reagent which has paramagnetic particles which have reacted to form a detectable product, comprising: (a) magnetic means along said event path for attracting said paramagnetic particles against the side wall of said cuvette, (b) liquid evacuating means for aspirating the liquid from said cuvette while said paramagnetic particles are held against the side wall of said cuvette, (c) liquid dispensing means which are located downstream of said magnetic means for dispensing a re-suspend liquid into said cuvette for re-suspending said paramagnetic particles in said re-suspend liquid, and (d) control means including a central processing unit for coordinating said evaluating means, said liquid dispensing means and means for conveying said cuvette along said event path.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 16 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 140, wherein said re-suspend liquid is an acid solution.

Claim 142

Dependent Claim 70 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 140, wherein said separation means further comprises: (a) wash apparatus for dispensing a wash solution into said cuvette after evacuation of said liquid while said paramagnetic particles are attracted against the side wall of the cuvette by said magnetic means, and (b) wash evacuating means for aspirating said wash solution while said paramagnetic particles are held against the side wall of said cuvette.

Claim 143

Dependent Claim 84 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 142, wherein the side wall of said cuvette has a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion which is opposite said first side wall portion and said paramagnetic particles are drawn by said magnetic means against said first side wall portion, and, wherein said wash apparatus is a fixed nozzle which is positioned above the top opening of said cuvette for directing said wash solution against the second side wall portion of the cuvette.

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 134 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 142, wherein said wash apparatus comprises: (a) a fixed support at one side of said event path, (b) a carriage which is mounted on said fixed support for vertical movement between an upper position and a lower position, (c) a vertically extending aspirating and dispensing probe which has a bottom free end and which is mounted on said carriage so that the bottom end of said probe is above said cuvette when said carriage is in its upper position and down to the bottom wall of said cuvette when said carriage is in its lower position, and (d) drive means for selective moving said carriage vertically between said upper and lower positions for lowering said probe into said cuvette when the cuvette is positioned beneath said probe.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 103 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 144, wherein said probe is mounted on said carriage for limited vertical movement relative to the carriage between a top position and a bottom position and is biased to said bottom position which enables said carriage to be lowered to bring the bottom end of the probe to the bottom wall of the cuvette and a slight additional motion which causes the probe to move upwardly relative to the carriage to insure that the bottom end of the probe always reaches the bottom wall of the cuvette and to insure complete aspiration of said wash solution.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 76 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 140, wherein said magnetic means comprises: (a) a first upstream magnet for creating a first magnetic field at a first level along the side wall of the cuvette, and (b) a second downstream magnet for creating a second magnetic field at a second level along the side of the cuvette which is below said first level for positioning said paramagnetic particles below the upper level of said re-suspend liquid.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 90 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 134, wherein the side wall of said cuvette comprises a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion which is opposite said first side wall portion, wherein said paramagnetic particles are attracted to said first side wall portion, and, wherein an auxiliary re-suspend magnet is located adjacent the second wall portion when the cuvette is located at the position for receiving said resuspend liquid to assist migration of said paramagnetic particles into the re-suspend liquid from said first side wall position.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 135 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 134, wherein said sample and reagent evacuating means comprises: (a) a fixed support at one side of said event path, (b) a carriage which is mounted on said fixed support for vertical movement between an upper position and a lower position, (c) a vertically extending dispensing probe which has a bottom free end and which is mounted on said carriage so that the bottom end of said probe is above said cuvette when said carriage is in its upper position and down to the bottom wall of said cuvette when said carriage is in its lower position, and (d) drive means for selective moving said carriage vertically between said upper and lower positions for lowering said probe into said cuvette when the cuvette is positioned beneath said probe.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 102 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 144, wherein said probe is mounted on said carriage for limited vertical movement relative to the carriage between a top position and a bottom position and is biased to said bottom position so which enables said carriage to be lowered to bring the bottom end of the probe to the bottom wall of the cuvette and a slight additional motion which causes the probe to move upwardly relative to the carriage to insure that the bottom end of the probe reaches the bottom wall of the cuvette and always insure complete evacuation of said liquid.

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 83 words

An isolation means as recited in Claim 140, wherein the side wall of said cuvette has a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion which is opposite said first side wall portion and said paramagnetic particles are drawn by said magnetic means against said first side wall portion, and wherein said re-suspend means is a fixed nozzle which is positioned above the top opening of said cuvette for directing said re-suspend liquid against the second wall portion of the cuvette.

Claim 151

Independent Claim 155 words

A method of evacuating liquid from a cuvette which is conveyed along an event path, said cuvette having a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall which is opposite said first side wall, and a top opening, said cuvette containing a labeled reagent and a solid-phase reagent which has paramagnetic particles, a method of evacuating liquid from said cuvette comprising: (a) attracting the paramagnetic particles of said reagent against the first side wall of the cuvette by magnetic means, (b) evacuating the liquid from said cuvette while said paramagnetic particles are held against the first side wall of the cuvette, (c) dispensing a re-suspend liquid into said cuvette after aspiration of the sample and reagent mixture for re- suspending said paramagnetic particles, and (d) coordinating said evacuating means, said liquid dispensing means and means for conveying said cuvette along said event path using a control means which includes a central processing unit.

Claim 152

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method as recited in Claim 151, wherein said re-suspend liquid is an acid solution.

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method as recited in Claim 151, wherein said method further comprises: (a) dispensing a wash solution into said cuvette after evacuation of said liquid, and (b) evacuating said wash solution from said cuvette while said paramagnetic particles are held against said first side wall by said magnetic means.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method as recited in Claim 152, wherein said wash solution is directed against the second side wall of the cuvette.

Claim 155

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method as recited in Claim 151, wherein said re-suspend liquid is directed against the first side wall of the cuvette for washing the paramagnetic particles from the first side of the cuvette.

Claim 156

Dependent Claim 137 words

A luminometer for an automated analyzer to assay an analyte in a test sample in a cuvette in which the product of the test reaction includes a chemiluminescent labeled reagent and the product being suspended in an acid solution, said cuvette having a bottom wall, side wall and an open top, comprising: (a) a cuvette transport for conveying said cuvette in a horizontal plane from an entrance point to a base solution dispense point and to an exit point, (b) dispense means at said base solution dispense point for dispensing a base solution into said cuvette to cause a chemiluminescent flash, (c) an instrument at said base solution dispense point for measuring the intensity of said flash, and (d) control means including a central processing unit for coordinating said cuvette transport, said dispense means and said instrument.

Claim 157

Dependent Claim 227 words

A luminometer as recited in Claim 156, wherein said cuvette transport comprises: (a) a fixed housing which has a circular chamber, a top wall, a bottom wall which has an entrance opening at said entrance point for receiving a cuvette in an upright position and an exit opening at said exit point for dispensing said cuvette once a flash has been read by said instrument, and a side wall which has a circular inner surface and an opening in said side wall which is aligned with said instrument, (b) a carousel which is rotatably mounted within the chamber of said housing for rotation about a vertical axis, said carousel having an outer circular side wall, a hub, and a plurality of vertical spokes between the side wall and the hub which forms with the housing a plurality of airtight compartments except when a compartment is positioned over said entrance opening and said exit opening, and (c) drive means for rotating said carousel about said vertical axis in periodic increments of one compartment distance so that a cuvette is received into a compartment at said entrance opening and is advanced one compartment distance at a time to said base solution dispense point for receiving a volume of base solution for causing a chemiluminescent flash which is read by said instrument and advanced to said exit open for dispensing.

Claim 158

Dependent Claim 15 words

A luminometer as recited in Claim 156, wherein said instrument is a photo multiplier tube.

Claim 159

Dependent Claim 80 words

A luminometer as recited in Claim 156, wherein said instrument produces a sample test output signal when exposed to said flash, and wherein said luminometer comprises a luminescent reference source which is located at said base solution dispense point for directing a beam of light toward said instrument at predetermined test flash intervals to produce a reference test output signal, wherein said control means compares said reference test output signals to insure that output signals from said instrument are consistent.

Claim 160

Dependent Claim 40 words

A luminometer as recited in Claim 159, wherein said luminometer comprises an electronic module which is operatively connected to said luminescent reference source for maintaining the intensity of the beam of light from said reference source at a constant value.

Claim 161

Dependent Claim 25 words

A luminometer as recited in Claim 159, wherein said instrument is a photo multiplier tube and said luminescent reference source is a light emitting diode.

Claim 162

Dependent Claim 34 words

A luminometer as recited in Claim 161, wherein said luminometer further comprises light filtering means between said diode and said photo multiplier tube for altering the light which reaches said tube from said diode.

Claim 163

Dependent Claim 112 words

A luminometer as recited in Claim 160, wherein said electronic module comprises: (a) a constant, reference voltage source grounded through a reference resistance to produce a constant, reference current source, (b) a current driven light source having a target output value, (c) a photodiode to which the light source is coupled, and (d) a differential amplifying means connected to the constant, reference current source and the photodiode and configured to present its output to the light source so as to reduce the current through the light source when the light source output is above the target value and to increase the current when the light source output is below the target value.

Claim 164

Dependent Claim 117 words

A module for providing a constant luminescence source for monitoring a chemiluminescence assay apparatus, said module comprising: (a) a constant, reference voltage source grounded through a reference resistance to produce a constant, reference current source, (b) a current driven light source having a target output value, (c) a photodiode to which the light source is coupled, and (d) a differential amplifying means connected to the constant, reference current source and the photodiode and configured to present its output to the light source so as to reduce the current through the light source when the light source output is above the target value and to increase the current when the light source output is below the target value.

Claim 165

Dependent Claim 24 words

A module as recited in Claim 164 in which constant, reference voltage source includes a heated zener diode to provide a temperature-compensated reference voltage.

Claim 166

Dependent Claim 24 words

A module as recited in Claim 164 wherein the reference voltage source is buffered from the rest of the circuit by a unity-gain op-amp.

Claim 167

Dependent Claim 53 words

A module as recited in Claim 164 wherein the elements are arranged on an electrical board, the reference voltage is grounded through a reference resistance, and wherein the photodiode, the differential amplifying means, and the reference resistance are joined at a junction which is highly insulated from the electrical board and other components.

Claim 168

Dependent Claim 14 words

A module as recited in Claim 167 wherein said junction comprises a polytetrafluorethylene post.

Claim 169

Independent Claim 87 words

A method of producing a constant luminescence source for monitoring a chemiluminescence assay apparatus, comprising the steps of: (a) using a temperature compensated constant voltage source to produce a constant reference current, (b) driving a light source with said reference current, the light source having a target value, (c) coupling a photodiode to said light source to produce an output, (d) subtracting the photodiode output from the reference current to produce a feedback current, and (e) modifying the light source output in proportion to the feedback current.

Claim 170

Dependent Claim 133 words

A heated tube confirmation for conveying a fluid comprising: (a) an outer flexible tube of thermoplastic material, (b) an intermediate flexible tube of thermoplastic material which is located within said outer tube, (c) an inner fluid carrying tube of fluoroplastic material which is located within said intermediate tube, (d) an electrical heater wire which is located inside of said intermediate tube in contact with the said inner fluid carrying tube, (e) an electrical heat sensor which is located within said intermediate tube in contact with said inner fluid carrying tube, and (f) electrical control means including a central processing unit operatively connected to said electrical heater wire and said electrical heat sensor for regulating the temperature of said inner tube to maintain the temperature of said inner tube at a predetermined set temperature.

Claim 171

Dependent Claim 19 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 170, wherein said inner tube is maintained at about 37° centigrade.

Claim 172

Dependent Claim 20 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 170, wherein the thermoplastic material of said outer tube is polyvinyl chloride.

Claim 173

Dependent Claim 23 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 170, wherein the thermoplastic material of said inner fluid carrying tube is a fluoroplastic material.

Claim 174

Dependent Claim 15 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 173, wherein said fluoroplastic material is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Claim 175

Dependent Claim 17 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 170, wherein said electrical heat sensor is a thermistor.

Claim 176

Dependent Claim 23 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 170, wherein said electrical heater wire is spirally wound about said inner fluid carrying tube.

Claim 177

Dependent Claim 74 words

A heated tube configuration for conveying a fluid comprising: (a) a fluid carrying tube of fluoroplastic which has a wall thickness of between and including .006 inches to .010 inches, (b) an electrical heating element which is in contact with said tube, and (c) electrical control means operatively connected to said heating element for controlling the heat output of said heating element and maintaining the temperature of said tube at a predetermined set temperature.

Claim 178

Dependent Claim 46 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 177, wherein said electrical control means comprises: (a) an electrical heat sensor which is in contact with said tube, and (b) a central processing unit which is operatively connected to said heat sensor and said electrical heating element.

Claim 179

Dependent Claim 17 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 178, wherein said electrical heat sensor is a thermistor.

Claim 180

Dependent Claim 14 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 177, wherein said fluoroplastic is polytetrafluoroethylene.

Claim 181

Dependent Claim 25 words

A heated tube configuration as recited in Claim 177, wherein said electrical heating element is an electrical wire which is spirally wound about said tube.

Claim 182

Dependent Claim 22 words

An article or method as recited in any one of Claims 1 to 169, wherein said assay is a heterogeneous binding assay.

Claim 183

Dependent Claim 14 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 182, wherein said binding assay is an immunoassay.

Claim 184

Dependent Claim 20 words

An analyzer as recited in Claim 182, wherein said binding assay is a competitive type or sandwich type assay format.

Automated analyzer

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