US3607099A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Prothrombin time measuring apparatus
Assignee: Medical Laboratory Automation Inc
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Filing: 1969-03-11
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Granted: 1971-09-21
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Expires: 1989-03-11
Abstract
Abstract A prothrombin time measuring apparatus having a turntable that moves a plurality of plasma-containing test tubes successively to a testing station where a photosensitive device responds to a change in optical density of the plasma and a reagent mixed therewith at the testing station. Refrigerating means keep the plasma at a low temperature until the plasma is to be tested whereupon heating means increase the temperature to normal blood temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 Emil A Scordato John Hartnett
- 👤 Robert J Varca
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/48; G01N33/483; G01N33/487; G01N33/49; G01N33/4905
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said heating means includes a heat-conductive block having a plurality of depressions conforming to the shape of the test tubes into which test tubes approaching the testing station are lowered, and including means for raising test tubes out of said depressions so that they can be moved towards the testing station as the turntable is indexed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 including means for agitating the reagent reservoir whereby the contents thereof are maintained uniformly mixed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said pump means includes a one cycle peristaltic pump, antisyphon valve means, and cam means mounted on the pump shaft for controlling when the valve means is opened and when the valve means is closed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 including a timer mechanism and means for starting said timer mechanism the prothrombin simultaneously pumping the predetermined quantity of a reagent into a plasma sample.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the timer mechanism includes a printout device for printing the prothrombin time determined by a test.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said indexing means includes means for determining whether or not a test tube is in the prothrombin time measuring station.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 7 including means responsive to a determination that there is no test tube present for indexing the turntable to the next position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said refrigerating means includes a generally circular trough in which test tubes containing plasma are moved, said trough being formed of a heat-conductive material, thermocoolers in intimate contact with said trough, and insulating means in contact with the sides of said trough.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 9 including a heat sink in contact with the bottom of said trough, and fan means for moving air over said heat sink and out of said apparatus.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3302452A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-20 | 1975-03-22 | 1975-09-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-20 | 1979-03-22 | 1979-09-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-20 | 1983-03-22 | 1983-09-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |