Abstract The apparatus comprises a plurality of stationary cuvettes, a chamber for the fluid to be evaluated, means for placing the chamber in fluid communication with each of the cuvettes and for permitting the flow of fluid from the chamber into each of the cuvettes, a plurality of optical transmitting means in registration with each of the cuvettes for transmitting a beam of radiant energy through each of the cuvettes, and detector means for intercepting each of the beams of radiant energy and for measuring any optical changes in the radiant energy passing through the fluid in each of the cuvettes. The chamber for the fluid, the plurality of cuvettes and the fluid communication means are all housed within, preferably, a disposable, self-contained cartridge of unitary construction. The cartridge is mountable within a carriage that houses the transmitting and detector means of the apparatus. The chamber which forms the upper portion of the cartridge can be prefilled with bacterial suspension. Periodically, during the growth of the subject bacteria the suspensions are agitated by suitable means. Samples of antibiotics of varying potency are placed in the cuvettes. The cartridge is mounted in the carriage. On a signal from the detector means a portion of the suspension passes into each of the cuvettes to begin the antibiotic titer which is evaluated by means of the transmitting and detector means and associated electronic circuitry.
An apparatus for evaluating biological fluid which comprises: a. a plurality of cuvettes, b. a chamber for fluid, c. means for placing said chamber in fluid communication with each of said cuvettes and for permitting flow of fluid from said chamber into each of said cuvettes, d. a plurality of optical transmitting means in registration with each of said cuvettes for transmitting a beam of radiant energy through each of said cuvettes, e. detector means for intercepting each of said beams of radiant energy and for measuring any optical change in said radiant energy passing through the fluid in each of said cuvettes, said plurality of cuvettes and said chmber form a self-contained cartridge of unitary construction, said cartridge is mountable within A carriage for housing said plurality of optical transmitting means and detector means and contains means for placing each of said cuvettes in respective registration with each transmitting and detector means, said chamber is mounted above said plurality of cuvettes and said means for placing said chamber in fluid communication with each of said cuvettes, f. a plurality of permeable membranes, each of which is mounted between the floor of said chamber and each cuvette, g. pneumatic valve means operably connected between said cartridge and said detector means for causing a pressure differential between said chamber and each of said cuvettes in response to a signal from said detector means for permitting flow of fluid from said chamber to each of said plurality of cuvettes, and h. temperature control means to maintain fluid temperatures substantially constant.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
258 words
An apparatus for evaluating biological fluid which comprises: a. a plurality of cuvettes, b. a chamber for fluid, c. means for placing said chamber in fluid communication with each of said cuvettes and for permitting flow of fluid from said chamber into each of said cuvettes, d. a plurality of optical transmitting means in registration with each of said cuvettes for transmitting a beam of radiant energy through each of said cuvettes, e. detector means for intercepting each of said beams of radiant energy and for measuring any optical change in said radiant energy passing through the fluid in each of said cuvettes, said plurality of cuvettes and said chmber form a self-contained cartridge of unitary construction, said cartridge is mountable within A carriage for housing said plurality of optical transmitting means and detector means and contains means for placing each of said cuvettes in respective registration with each transmitting and detector means, said chamber is mounted above said plurality of cuvettes and said means for placing said chamber in fluid communication with each of said cuvettes, f. a plurality of permeable membranes, each of which is mounted between the floor of said chamber and each cuvette, g. pneumatic valve means operably connected between said cartridge and said detector means for causing a pressure differential between said chamber and each of said cuvettes in response to a signal from said detector means for permitting flow of fluid from said chamber to each of said plurality of cuvettes, and h. temperature control means to maintain fluid temperatures substantially constant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said temperature control means comprises: a. a heat sink, b. heating elements mounted on said heat sink, c. forced air means for directing ambient air onto said heat sink surface, d. electronic temperature control circuit, and e. temperature sensor electronically connected between said cartridge and said electronic temperature control circuit.