Abstract An apparatus for automatically performing a series of operations on a blood sample contained in a vial. For example, in performing the Coombs antiglobulin test, the apparatus is programed to initially inject saline into the vial, to centrifuge the vial at approximately 1,300 RCF, and then to decant the saline from the vial leaving a ''''button'''' of blood cells in the vial. The above sequence is repeated three times, and then a predetermined amount of Coombs serum is injected into the vial. The vial is then agitated to mix the serum with the blood cells, and then it is centrifuged at 500 RCF. At the termination of the centrifuging operation, the sample will be ready for final analysis by a technician. In carrying out this invention, a circular turntable is provided having a plurality of receptacles positioned about its outer periphery. Each of the receptacles is adapted to receive a single vial and includes a pivotally mounted flag which is lifted to a horizontal position whenever a vial is present. An electrical motor is provided to rotate the turntable, and a dispensing mechanism overlies the periphery of the turntable and includes a nozzle for injecting the saline as well as a nozzle for injecting the Coombs serum downwardly into the vial. A photoelectric mechanism is provided for detecting a horizontal flag which then actuates the appropriate injection mechanism. The Coombs injecting mechanism includes a removable cartridge containing the serum. The cartridge comprises a tubular barrel which is closed at its forward end by a nozzle and at its rear end by a cylindrical piston positioned within the bore of the barrel. The mechanism further includes a plunger for driving the piston into the bore of the barrel to dispense the liquid from the forward nozzle.
An apparatus for automatically decanting a plurality of fluid containers, said apparatus comprising: a circular turntable rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of carriers mounted about the periphery of said turntable having a plurality of for receiving said fluid containers therein, each of said carriers being normally disposed in a substantially vertical position and being pivotally mounted for rotation about a chordal axis, magnetic means associated with said turntable to tilt each of said carriers at a negative angle, and means to rotate said turntable during engagement of said magnetic means whereby at least a portion of the contents of said containers will be decanted.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
106 words
An apparatus for automatically decanting a plurality of fluid containers, said apparatus comprising: a circular turntable rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of carriers mounted about the periphery of said turntable having a plurality of for receiving said fluid containers therein, each of said carriers being normally disposed in a substantially vertical position and being pivotally mounted for rotation about a chordal axis, magnetic means associated with said turntable to tilt each of said carriers at a negative angle, and means to rotate said turntable during engagement of said magnetic means whereby at least a portion of the contents of said containers will be decanted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including spring means associated with said carriers to urge said carriers from said negative angle position toward said vertical position, and means to alternately engage and disengage said magnetic means, whereby alternate engagement and disengagement of said magnetic means causes the contents of said fluid containers to be agitated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
103 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said magnetic means comprises a pole ring positioned coaxially about the axis of said turntable and a magnetic insert attached to each of said carriers, said magnetic inserts being spaced from said pole ring when said carriers are in said vertical position and contacting said pole ring when said carriers are in said negative angle position, and an electromagnetic coil posItioned adjacent said pole ring such that energization of said coil causes magnetic lines of flux to pass through said pole ring and said insert to thereby draw said insert into contact with said ring.