US3645690A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automated chemical analyzer
Assignee: Beckman Coulter Inc
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Filing: 1968-01-22
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Granted: 1972-02-29
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Expires: 1988-01-22
Abstract
Abstract A system employing individual sample capsules, each of inexpensive hollow body, open bottom construction with end tabs and cups formed in the body, a pair of horizontal rails on which the capsules are conveyed side-by-side past processing stations in stop and go fashion by the up-and-down action of the rails and to-and-fro movement of a pair of racks having teeth-engaging within the capsule body and moving the capsule in one direction when the rails are down, the teeth being free of the capsule to move in the opposite direction when the rails are up, with automatic means for dropping a capsule onto the rails, transferring a sample from a container to one of the cups in the capsule, adding reagents, filtering the reacted sample, transferring fluid from one cup to another, incubating the sample, performing a colorimetric reading and removing fluid from all cups prior to discard of the capsule, the system being essentially pneumatically operated using pneumatic logic controlled by triggers associated with the various components of the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry E Rochte
- 👤 Donald N Martin
- 👤 Jack L Hoffa
- 👤 George V Moore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 03:29
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/02; G01N35/10; G01N35/1079; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T436/00; Y10T436/11; Y10T436/113332; Y10T436/114165
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein: said transport means comprise generally horizontally disposed support means for supporting said capsules and vertically movable for placing said capsules in operative relation to said processing stations; and movement imparting means engageable with said capsules for imparting generally horizontal movement thereto and moving the same along said capsule support means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein: said sample transfer means comprises a horizontally movable probe positionable in either of two positions, and said sample containing means comprises a turntable for holding a plurality of sample containers, said turntable being indexable to sequentially locate each sample container directly below said probe in one of its said two positions, and raisable to move said sample container up around said probe for immersing the probe in the sample contained therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
88 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein: said turntable has a plurality of openings spaced equally around its periphery, and each opening is provided with a plurality of pliant tabs for frictionally holding a sample container therein at any desired height; whereby each of said sample containers may be supported by said turntable with the level of the sample therein even with the level of the turntable in order that the sample transfer probe is immersed to the same depth when the turntable is raised to its uppermost position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
128 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein: said sample transfer means further comprise means triggered by the presence of a capsule to cause said probe to be positioned over said turntable, means triggered by such posiTioning of the probe causing the turntable to turn through a small arc and be indexed so as to dispose a sample container directly below the probe and initiate raising of the turntable, said raising of said turntable in turn triggering means causing said probe to pick up some of said sample, means for thereafter lowering said turntable, means triggered by the lowering of said turntable to initiate return of said probe over the capsule, and return of said probe triggering means causing discharge of said picked-up sample into a cup of said capsule.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The combination of claim 1, said analyzer further comprising: reagent addition means adjacent to said transport means and triggered into operation by a capsule on said transport means for automatically adding a reagent from a source outside of said capsule to the sample in said cup for reaction therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 6 wherein: said reagent addition means includes an air duct directed toward said cup for agitating liquid therein.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The combination of claim 1, said analyzer further including: reagent addition means adjacent to said transport means for automatically adding reagent to the sample in said cup for reaction therewith; and filtering means adjacent to said transport means for automatically filtering reacted sample in said capsule.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
173 words
An automated chemical analyzer having a plurality of processing stations and employing a plurality of discrete capsules each formed with at least one cup to hold a sample being processed, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying said capsules past said processing stations; dispensing means for automatically feeding said capsules to said transport means; said capsule dispensing means comprising capsule-supporting means which are withdrawn for dropping a capsule onto said transport means; said capsule-supporting means of said capsule dispensing means comprising fingers mounted for reciprocal movement between positions in which the fingers engage under the lowermost capsule of a stack of capsules for supporting the same and in which the fingers are withdrawn therefrom for dropping the lowermost capsule; and said capsule dispensing means further comprising lips above said fingers mounted for reciprocal movement between positions in which the lips engage under the next higher capsule of the stack for supporting the same and in which the lips are withdrawn therefrom for dropping the next higher capsule onto said fingers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
220 words
The combination of claim 9 wherein: said capsule dispensing means further comprises a pair of rigid links, each interconnecting a finger and a lip, and means for moving said links so that movement of said links in one direction withdraws said fingers from said lowermost capsule and brings said lips into engagement with next higher capsule, and movement in the other direction withdraws said lips from engagement with said last-named capsule and brings said fingers under said last-named capsule. 11. An automated chemical analyzer having a plurality of processing stations and employing capsules each formed with at least one cup to hold a sample being processed, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying said capsules past said processing stations; dispensing means for automatically feeding said capsules to said transport means; sample transfer means for automatically transferring a sample from sample containing means to a cup in each capsule; reagent addition means for automatically adding a precipitating reagent to the sample in said cup for reaction therewith; processing means for automatically processing said reacted sample in said cup and said processing means comprising filtering means including a filter cup dispenser triggered by said capsule for dropping a filter cup atop said precipitated sample and means for applying a vacuum to said filter cup and drawing clear filtrate thereinto.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The combination of claim 11 wherein: said processing means also include filtrate transfer means for automatically transferring a predetermined amount of said filtrate to another cup in said capsule.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
65 words
The combination of claim 12 wherein: said processing means also include means for adding a color reagent to said transferred amount of filtrate in said other cup for developing color therein; and said processing means further include means for adding a color development arrest reagent to said transferred amount of filtrate after addition of said color reagent thereto for arresting the development of color therein.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 13, said analyzer further comprising: colorimetry means for automatically picking up said sample and sampling the color thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 14, said analyzer further comprising: means for removal of fluid from all the cups of said capsule after sample is picked up from the capsule by said colorimetry means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination of claim 13, said analyzer further comprising: incubation means for incubating said transferred amount of filtrate with color reagent added thereto prior to addition of said color development arrest reagent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
57 words
The combination of claim 12 wherein: said filtrate transfer means comprise a probe movable between said cup containing said filtrate and at least one of the other of said cups of said capsule, and means triggered by said capsule for causing said probe to pick up said filtrate and transfer it to another of said capsule cups.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination of claim 17 wherein: said probe is supported by a mount pivotally connected to a horizontally movable carriage, and adjustable means defining the limits of movement of said carriage and having means engageable with said pivotal mount for pivoting the same.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
80 words
An automated chemical analyzer for processing wet samples in discrete capsules comprising, in combination: means for automatically dispensing capsules adapted to receive said samples; means triggered by each capsule for automatically transferring a sample thereto; means for automatically conveying said capsules past processing stations in an intermittent stop and go fashion; means triggered by each capsule for automatically adding reagent to sample therein; and means triggered by each capsule for automatically analyzing said sample after reaction thereof with said reagent.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
The analyzer of claim 19 further comprising: means triggered by each capsule for automatically filtering said sample in said capsule after the addition of a precipitating reagent thereto to provide a filtrate; and means for transferring said filtrate for processing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The analyzer of claim 20 wherein: said filtering means include a filter cup and means for applying a vacuum thereto.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
151 words
An automated chemical analyzer having a plurality of processing stations and employing capsules formed with cups to hold samples being processed, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying said capsules along a path past said processing stations; dispensing means for automatically feeding said capsules to said transport means; sample transfer means for automatically transferring a sample from sample containing means to a cup in said capsule; incubation means for automatically incubating said sample in said capsule; and said incubation means is provided with a plurality of spaced heat exchange stations extending along said path, each station being adapted to fit about a cup of said capsule, said capsule during transport thereof past said processing stations progressively moving to positions above said heat exchange stations, and means are provided for shifting said heat exchange stations vertically into contact with the cups of said capsule during transport of said capsule.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
117 words
An automated chemical analyzer having a plurality of processing stations and employing a plurality of discrete capsules each formed with at least one cup to hold a sample being processed, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying said capsules past said processing stations in intermittent stop and go fashion so that said capsules are periodically stationary; dispensing means for automatically feeding said capsules to said transport means; sample transfer means for automatically transferring a sample from sample containing means to a cup in each capsule when the capsule is stationary on said transport means; and incubation means automatically subjecting the cup of each capsule to heat during the intermittent stationary periods of the capsule.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
90 words
The combination of claim 23 wherein: said transport means comprises generally horizontally disposed support means for supporting said capsules and vertically movable between a raised position for placing said capsules in operative relation to said processing stations and a lowered position; movement imparting means engageable with said capsules when said support means is in said lowered position and imparting generally horizontal movement to said capsules along said support means; and said incubation means includes heat exchange stations engageable with said cup when said support means is in said raised position.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
158 words
An automated chemical analyzer having a plurality of processing stations and employing a plurality of discrete capsules each formed with at least one cup to hold a sample being processed, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying said capsules past said processing stations in intermittent stop and go fashion; dispensing means for automatically feeding said capsules to said transport means; sample transfer means for automatically transferring a sample from sample containing means to a cup in each capsule; said transport means comprising capsule support means and movement imparting means, said support means being generally horizontally disposed and vertically movable between a first position in which said capsules are placed in operative relation to said processing stations and a second position remote from said stations; and said movement imparting means being engageable with said capsules when said support means is in said second position and imparting generally horizontal movement to said capsules along said support means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
154 words
An automated chemical analyzer having a plurality of processing stations and employing a plurality of discrete capsules each having at least one cup to hold a sample being processed, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying said capsules past said processing stations in intermittent stop and go fashion; dispensing means for automatically feeding said capsules to said transport means; sample containing means for holding a plurality of samples; sample transfer means triggered by each capsule on said transport means for automatically transferring a sample from said sample containing means to a cup in the capsule; means triggered by each capsule on said transport means for adding a reagent to sample in said cup; means triggered by each capsule on said transport means for filtering the sample in said cup after the addition of reagent thereto; and means for transferring the filtrate from said cup to a second cup in said capsule.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
45 words
The combination of claim 26 wherein: said filtering means includes a filter cup dispenser triggered by said capsule for dropping a filter cup atop the liquid in said capsule cup and means for applying a vacuum to said filter cup and drawing clear filtrate thereinto.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
154 words
An automated chemical analyzer employing a plurality of discrete capsules each having a plurality of cups formed therein to hold a liquid, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transpOrt means for automatically conveying capsules along a predetermined path; dispensing means for feeding said capsules to said transport means adjacent one end thereof; a plurality of spaced stations positioned along said path between said dispensing means and the other end of said transport means; the first one of said stations comprising sample transfer means for transferring a sample from sample containing means to a preselected single cup in each capsule; the second one of said stations comprising reagent addition means for adding a reagent to the sample in said cup; the third one of said stations comprising means for transferring liquid from said cup to means for analyzing said liquid; and each of said stations being triggered by a capsule conveyed thereto by said transport means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination of claim 28 wherein: said transport means automatically conveys said capsules along said path in a continuous intermittent stop and go fashion such that said capsules are temporarily stationary adjacent to said stations.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination of claim 29 wherein: said transport means effects the raising and lowering of said capsules adjacent to each of said stations to bring each capsule into operative relation with each station and to thereafter move the capsule away from the station.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combination of claim 28 including: sample containing means adjacent to said first station and adapted to hold a plurality of samples; and said sample containing means being triggered by each capsule to sequentially present a different sample to said sample transfer means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
199 words
An automated chemical analyzer employing a plurality of discrete capsules each having a plurality of cups formed therein to hold a liquid, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying capsules along a predetermined path; dispensing means for feeding said capsules to said transport means adjacent one end thereof; a plurality of spaced stations positioned along said path between said dispensing means and the other end of said transport means; the first one of said stations comprising sample transfer means for transferring a sample from sample containing means to one cup in each capsule; the second one of said stations comprising reagent addition means for adding a reagent to the sample in said cup; the third one of said stations comprising means for filtering the sample in said cup and transferring the filtrate to another cup in said capsule; the fourth one of said stations comprising further reagent addition means for adding reagent to the filtrate in said other cup; the fifth one of said stations comprising means for transferring liquid from said other cup to means for analyzing said liquid; and each of said stations being triggered by a capsule conveyed thereto by said transport means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
46 words
The combination of claim 32 wherein: said filtering means includes a filter cup dispenser triggered by said capsule for dropping a filter cup atop the liquid in said first-mentioned capsule cup and means for applying a vacuum to said filter cup to draw clear filtrate thereinto.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
159 words
An automated chemical analyzer having a plurality of stations for performing processing functions and employing a plurality of discrete elongated capsules each provided with a plurality of spaced cups extending longitudinally thereof, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying said capsules along a path past said stations; dispensing means for automatically feeding said capsules to said transport means so that said capsules extend laterally of said path; sample transfer means for automatically transferring a sample from sample containing means to a first cup in each capsule subsequent to the feeding of the capsule to the transport means; and said processing stations includes means for sequentially and automatically adding a reagent to the sample in said first cup, filtering the liquid in said first cup to provide a filtrate, transferring said filtrate to a second cup in said capsule, adding an additional reagent to said second cup and withdrawing said liquid from said second cup for analysis.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 34 wherein: said processing stations are triggered into operation by said capsules conveyed to said stations by said transport means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
144 words
An automated chemical analyzer having a plurality of stations for performing processing functions and employing a plurality of discrete elongated capsules each provided with a plurality of spaced cups extending longitudinally thereof, said analyzer comprising, in combination: transport means for automatically conveying said capsules along a path past said stations in intermittent stop and go fashion, dispensing means for automatically feeding said capsules to said transport means so that said capsules extend laterally of said path; sample transfer means for automatically transferring a sample from sample containing means to a first cup in each capsule subsequent to the feeding of the capsule to the transport means and while said capsule is stationary on said transport means, and said processing stations include means for automatically adding a reagent to the sample in said first cup and means for withdrawing liquid from each capsule for analysis.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
61 words
The combination of claim 36 wherein: said reagent adding means includes a delivery tube adjustable laterally of said path whereby reagent may be added to any of the cups in each capsule; and said liquid withdrawal means includes an intake tube adjustable laterally of said path whereby liquid may be withdrawn from any of the cups in such capsule for analysis.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
104 words
The method of analyzing a sample comprising the steps of: feeding a plurality of discrete capsules each having at least one cup therein to a transport means; delivering a sample to a cup in each capsule after feeding the capsule to said transport means; transporting said capsules by said transport means past a plurality of processing stations in intermittent stop and go fashion so that each capsule is temporarily stationary at each station, but without removing said capsules from the transport means; performing a processing function upon material in each capsule at said processing stations; and thereafter withdrawing material from each capsule for analysis.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 38 wherein: a reagent is transferred from a source outside of said capsules to sample in said cup of each capsule at one of said processing stations; said reagent is a precipitating reagent; the reagent-sample mixture in each capsule cup is filtered at another processing station thereby producing a filtrate; and the filtrate is transferred to another cup in each capsule at a further processing station.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-28 | 1975-08-30 | 1976-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-28 | 1979-08-30 | 1980-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-28 | 1983-08-30 | 1984-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |