US3901656A — Apparatus and method for preparing and presenting…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 320 words

Apparatus for preparing a succession of serum chemistries for analysis, comprising serum conveyor means for conveying a plurality of specimen containers each containing a serum specimen along a first path; chemistry conveyor means for conveying a plurality of chemistry containers along a second path; a transfer arm; drive means for driving said transfer arm between successive communication with preselected ones of said specimen containers and communication with successive ones of said chemistry containers; sealing means carried in said transfer arm for sealing a specimen container when said arm is in communication therewith; first tube means carried in said transfer arm and having one end for communicating with the specimen container sealed by said sealing means, the other end of said first tube means being coupled through first valve Means to a first fluid under pressure, said first valve means being selectively operable to admit said first fluid to the sealed specimen container to pressurize said container; second tube means carried in said transfer arm and having one end for reception in the serum specimen in the sealed specimen container, the other end of said second tube means being coupled through second valve means to venting means, said second valve means being selectively operable for a predetermined time period to allow the pressure in said sealed container to induce a predetermined amount of the serum specimen to flow into said second tube means; third valve means coupled between the other end of said second tube means and a second fluid under pressure, said third valve means being selectively operable for a predetermined time period when said transfer arm is in communication with one of said chemistry containers to cause a predetermined amount of the serum specimen in said second tube means to flow into said chemistry container; and dispensing means for selectively dispensing a predetermined and repetitive amount of a reagent into each of the chemistry containers to form serum chemistries.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 320 words

Apparatus for preparing a succession of serum chemistries for analysis, comprising serum conveyor means for conveying a plurality of specimen containers each containing a serum specimen along a first path; chemistry conveyor means for conveying a plurality of chemistry containers along a second path; a transfer arm; drive means for driving said transfer arm between successive communication with preselected ones of said specimen containers and communication with successive ones of said chemistry containers; sealing means carried in said transfer arm for sealing a specimen container when said arm is in communication therewith; first tube means carried in said transfer arm and having one end for communicating with the specimen container sealed by said sealing means, the other end of said first tube means being coupled through first valve Means to a first fluid under pressure, said first valve means being selectively operable to admit said first fluid to the sealed specimen container to pressurize said container; second tube means carried in said transfer arm and having one end for reception in the serum specimen in the sealed specimen container, the other end of said second tube means being coupled through second valve means to venting means, said second valve means being selectively operable for a predetermined time period to allow the pressure in said sealed container to induce a predetermined amount of the serum specimen to flow into said second tube means; third valve means coupled between the other end of said second tube means and a second fluid under pressure, said third valve means being selectively operable for a predetermined time period when said transfer arm is in communication with one of said chemistry containers to cause a predetermined amount of the serum specimen in said second tube means to flow into said chemistry container; and dispensing means for selectively dispensing a predetermined and repetitive amount of a reagent into each of the chemistry containers to form serum chemistries.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 26 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 with the addition of extraction means for successively extracting a predetermined portion of the formulated serum chemistries for analysis.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 48 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first valve means is selectively operable to admit said first fluid to said sealed specimen container to raise the pressure in said container to a predetermined level, and to maintain said level while said second tube means is vented.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 60 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 with the addition of fourth valve means coupled between the other end of said first tube means and second venting means, said fourth valve means being selectively operable to release the pressure in the specimen container after the predetermined amount of the specimen has been induced to flow into said second tube means.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 33 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said serum conveyor means includes rotary drive means for successively presenting said preselected specimen containers to a transfer station for communication with said transfer arm.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 38 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said chemistry conveyor means includes rotary drive means for successively presenting said chemistry containers to a receiving station for reception of a predetermined amount of one of said serum specimens.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 48 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second tube means is supported in and protrudes from said sealing means, whereby said second tube means is inserted into the serum specimen in a specimen container when said sealing means is in sealing engagement with the specimen container.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 43 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first tube means is supported in and protrudes from said sealing means, whereby said first tube means communicates with a specimen container when said sealing means is in sealing engagement with the specimen container.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 60 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first tube means is supported in and protrudes from said sealing means, and said second tube means is disposed within the hollow of said first tube means, whereby said first and second tube means communicate with a specimen container when said sealing means is in sealing engagement with the specimen container.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 39 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said transfer arm includes purge means for removing any serum from the external surface of said second tube means after the transfer arm is out of communication with the specimen container.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 30 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dispensing means includes selection apparatus for selecting and supplying a predetermined amount of a reagent from among a plurality of reagents.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 110 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 44 wherein said dispensing means comprises a plurality of reagents each contained in an individual reagent container pressurized to A substantially constant pressure level, each of said reagents having a delivery tube with one end received therein and the other end for communication with said plurality of chemistry containers, an individual reagent valve coupled to each delivery tube for selectively opening and closing said delivery tube, said reagent valves being selectively operable for predetermined time periods to allow the pressure in the respective reagent containers to cause a flow of predetermined and repeatable amounts of selected ones of said reagents into successive chemistry containers.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 22 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 with the addition of mixing apparatus for selectively mixing the contents of the chemistry containers.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 58 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said mixing apparatus comprises a motor, a mixing member operatively connected to said motor for rotation thereby, said mixing member having reciprocation means coupled thereto for positioning said mixing member into and out of the chemistry containers to selectively immerse said mixing member in the contents of the chemistry containers.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 75 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 13 wherein said mixing apparatus comprises a mixing member having a passage therein, a pressurized gas supply coupled to said passage, means for reciprocating said mixing member into and out of the chemistry containers to immerse said mixing member in the contents of the chemistry containers to bring said passage into communication with the container contents whereby the pressurized gas is induced to flow through and mix said contents.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 33 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including identification means for identifying the preselected specimen containers which are to have a predetermined amount of the serum specimen therein transferred to a chemistry container.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 37 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said extraction means includes an extraction arm for successively communicating with each of said chemistry containers for extracting a predetermined amount of the formulated serum chemistries therein for analysis.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 125 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 17 wherein said extraction arm includes sealing means, drive means for successively positioning said sealing means into sealing engagement with each of the chemistry containers, a first passage in said sealing means for connecting the chemistry container sealed thereby to a source of fluid under pressure to pressurize the contents of said container, an extraction member in said sealing means having a second passage disposed therein so that said second passage is in communication with the contents of the chemistry container when the container is sealed, and means for connecting said second passage to a test receptacle for a predetermined time period whereby a predetermined amount of the chemistry container contents is induced to flow into said test receptacle.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 18 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 18 wherein said test receptacle comprises the flow cell of a spectrophotometer.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 27 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said chemistry conveyor means includes incubation means for selectively controlling the temperature of the contents of the chemistry containers.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 64 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 with the addition of cleansing means for cleansing serum from said second tube means after the predetermined amount of serum specimen has been deposited in one of the chemistry containers, said cleansing means including receptacle means disposed between said chemistry conveyor means and said serum conveyor means for receiving the serum cleansed from said second tube means.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 17 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first fluid under pressure comprises a compressed gas.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 17 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second fluid under pressure comprises a control liquid.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 13 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 23 wherein said control liquid is water.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 62 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the other end of said second tube means is connected to a valve member havinG said second and third valve means therein, said second valve means being selectively operable to connect said member to venting means and said third valve means being selectively operable to connect said member to said second fluid under pressure.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 160 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the other end of said second tube means is connected to a valve member having said second and third valve means therein, said valve member and second tube means being filled with said second fluid, said second valve means being selectively operable to vent said valve member to permit a portion of the second fluid in said second tube means to flow through said valve member and escape therefrom to allow a predetermined amount of the serum specimen to flow into said second tube means, said third valve means being selectively operable to provide flow of a predetermined amount of said second fluid through said valve member into said second tube means to cause a predetermined amount of the serum specimen in said second tube means to flow out of said second tube means into a chemistry container, whereby said second fluid is the only fluid that flows through said valve member.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 43 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 26 wherein said second fluid comprises a preselected liquid diluent, and said second valve means is selectively operable to cause a predetermined amount of said diluent to flow into the chemistry container along with said serum specimens.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 293 words

Transfer apparatus for transferring a predetermined amount of a liquid specimen from a first container disposed at a pickup station to a second container disposed at a receiving station, comprising a transfer arm disposed generally between said pickup and receiving stations; drive means for driving said transfer arm between a position in communication with said first container and a position for communication with said second container; sealing means carried in said transfer arm for sealing said first container when said arm is in communication therewith; first tube means carried in said transfer arm and having one end communicating with said first container when said container is sealed, the other end of said first tube means being coupled through first valve means to a first fluid under pressure, said first valve means being selectively operable to admit said first fluid to said sealed container to pressurize said container; second tube means carried in said transfer arm and having one end for reception in the liquid specimen in said first container when said container is sealed, the other end of said second tube means being coupled through second valve means to venting means, said second valve means being selectively operable for a predetermined time period to allow the pressure in said sealed container to induce a predetermined amount of the liquid specimen to flow into said second tube means; and third valve means coupled between the other end of said second tube means and a second fluid under pressure, said third valve means being selectively operable for a predetermined time period when said transfer arm is in a position to communicate with said second container to cause a predetermined amount of the liquid specimen in said second tube means to flow into said second container.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 293 words

Transfer apparatus for transferring a predetermined amount of a liquid specimen from a first container disposed at a pickup station to a second container disposed at a receiving station, comprising a transfer arm disposed generally between said pickup and receiving stations; drive means for driving said transfer arm between a position in communication with said first container and a position for communication with said second container; sealing means carried in said transfer arm for sealing said first container when said arm is in communication therewith; first tube means carried in said transfer arm and having one end communicating with said first container when said container is sealed, the other end of said first tube means being coupled through first valve means to a first fluid under pressure, said first valve means being selectively operable to admit said first fluid to said sealed container to pressurize said container; second tube means carried in said transfer arm and having one end for reception in the liquid specimen in said first container when said container is sealed, the other end of said second tube means being coupled through second valve means to venting means, said second valve means being selectively operable for a predetermined time period to allow the pressure in said sealed container to induce a predetermined amount of the liquid specimen to flow into said second tube means; and third valve means coupled between the other end of said second tube means and a second fluid under pressure, said third valve means being selectively operable for a predetermined time period when said transfer arm is in a position to communicate with said second container to cause a predetermined amount of the liquid specimen in said second tube means to flow into said second container.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 158 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 28 wherein the other end of said second tube means is connected to a valve member having said second and third valve means therein, said valve member and second tube means being filled with said second fluid, said second valve means being selectively operable to vent said valve member to permit a portion of the second fluid in said second tube means to flow through said valve member and escape therefrom to allow a predetermined amount of the specimen to flow into said second tube means, said third valve means being selectively operable to provide flow of a predetermined amount of said second fluid through said valve member into said second tube means to cause a predetermined amount of the specimen in said second tube means to Flow out of said second tube means into a chemistry container, whereby said second fluid is the only fluid that flows through said valve member.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 60 words

Apparatus as set forth in claim 28 with the addition of fourth valve means coupled between the other end of said first tube means and second venting means, said fourth valve means being selectively operable to release the pressure in the sealed container after the predetermined amount of the specimen has been induced to flow into said second tube means.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 271 words

A METHOD OF PREPARING A SUCCSSION OF SERUM CHEMISTRIES FOR ANALYZATION, COMPRISING THE STEP OF CONVEYING A PLURALITY OF SERUM SPECIMENS EACH CONTAINED IN A SPECIMEN CONTAINER ALONG A FIRST PATH, SELECTING PARTICULAR ONES OF SAID SERUM SPECIMENS TO BE ANALYZED, SUCCESSIVELY TRANSFERRING A PREDETERMINED AMOUNT OF EACH OF SAID PARTICULR SERUM SPECIMENS TO INDIVIDUAL CHEMISTRY CONTAINERS IN A CHEMISTRY CONVEYING MEANS, SAID TRANSFERRING STEP FOR EACH OF SAID SELECTED SERUM SPECIMENS INCLUDING THE STEPS OF SEALING THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER CONTINING ONE OF THE SELECTED SERUM SPECIMENS, INSERTING A PRESSURE TUBE INTO THE SEALED CONTAINER AND CONNECTING SAID PRESSURE TUBE TO A FIRST FLUID UNDER PRESSURE TO PRESSURIZE SAID CONTAINER TO A PREDETERMINED AND SUBSTANTIALLY CONSTANT PRESSURE LEVEL, INSERTING ONE END OF A PICKUP TUBE INTO THE SERUM SPECIMEN IN SAID SEALED CONTAINER, VENTING THE OTHER END OF SAID PICKUP TUBE THROUGH A VENTING VALVE FOR A PREDETERMINED TIME PERIOD TO ALLOW THE PRESSURE IN THE SELAED CONTAINER TO CAUSE A PREDETERMINED AOUNT OF THE SERUM SPECIMEN TO FLOW INTO SAID PICKUP TUBE, MOVING SAID PICKUP TUBE TO A POSITION FOR COMMUNICATION WITH ONE OF SAID CHEMISTRY CONTAINERS, AND CONNECTING THE OTHER END OF SAID PICKUP TUBE THROUGH A FIRST VALVE TO A SUPPLY OF A SECOND FLUID UNDER PRESSURE AND SELECTIVELY OPENING SAID FIRST VALVE FOR A PREDETERMINED TIME PERIOD TO ALLOW SAID FLUID TO FLOW INTO THE OTHER END OF SAID PICKUP TUBE TO CAUSE A PREDETERMINED AMOUNT OF THE SERUM SPECIMEN IN SAID PICKUP TUBE TO FLOW INTO SAID CHEMISTRY CONTAINER, AND DISPENSING A PREDETERMINED AND REPETITIVE AMOUNT OF A PRESELECTED REAGENT INTO EACH OF SAID CHEMISTRY CONTAINERS.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 271 words

A METHOD OF PREPARING A SUCCSSION OF SERUM CHEMISTRIES FOR ANALYZATION, COMPRISING THE STEP OF CONVEYING A PLURALITY OF SERUM SPECIMENS EACH CONTAINED IN A SPECIMEN CONTAINER ALONG A FIRST PATH, SELECTING PARTICULAR ONES OF SAID SERUM SPECIMENS TO BE ANALYZED, SUCCESSIVELY TRANSFERRING A PREDETERMINED AMOUNT OF EACH OF SAID PARTICULR SERUM SPECIMENS TO INDIVIDUAL CHEMISTRY CONTAINERS IN A CHEMISTRY CONVEYING MEANS, SAID TRANSFERRING STEP FOR EACH OF SAID SELECTED SERUM SPECIMENS INCLUDING THE STEPS OF SEALING THE SPECIMEN CONTAINER CONTINING ONE OF THE SELECTED SERUM SPECIMENS, INSERTING A PRESSURE TUBE INTO THE SEALED CONTAINER AND CONNECTING SAID PRESSURE TUBE TO A FIRST FLUID UNDER PRESSURE TO PRESSURIZE SAID CONTAINER TO A PREDETERMINED AND SUBSTANTIALLY CONSTANT PRESSURE LEVEL, INSERTING ONE END OF A PICKUP TUBE INTO THE SERUM SPECIMEN IN SAID SEALED CONTAINER, VENTING THE OTHER END OF SAID PICKUP TUBE THROUGH A VENTING VALVE FOR A PREDETERMINED TIME PERIOD TO ALLOW THE PRESSURE IN THE SELAED CONTAINER TO CAUSE A PREDETERMINED AOUNT OF THE SERUM SPECIMEN TO FLOW INTO SAID PICKUP TUBE, MOVING SAID PICKUP TUBE TO A POSITION FOR COMMUNICATION WITH ONE OF SAID CHEMISTRY CONTAINERS, AND CONNECTING THE OTHER END OF SAID PICKUP TUBE THROUGH A FIRST VALVE TO A SUPPLY OF A SECOND FLUID UNDER PRESSURE AND SELECTIVELY OPENING SAID FIRST VALVE FOR A PREDETERMINED TIME PERIOD TO ALLOW SAID FLUID TO FLOW INTO THE OTHER END OF SAID PICKUP TUBE TO CAUSE A PREDETERMINED AMOUNT OF THE SERUM SPECIMEN IN SAID PICKUP TUBE TO FLOW INTO SAID CHEMISTRY CONTAINER, AND DISPENSING A PREDETERMINED AND REPETITIVE AMOUNT OF A PRESELECTED REAGENT INTO EACH OF SAID CHEMISTRY CONTAINERS.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method as set forth in claim 31 with the additional step of successively extracting a portion of the contents of the chemistry containers for analysis.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as set forth in claim 32 with the additional step of incubating the contents of the chemistry containers for a predetermined time period before said extracting step.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 91 words

The method as set forth in claim 31 wherein said dispensing step includes the steps of maintaining a plurality of reagents under substantially constant pressure in individual reagent containers, each of said reagents having a delivery tube with one end received therein and the other end communicating through an individual valve member with successive ones of said chemistry containers, and selectively opening preselected ones of said valve members for predetermined time periods to allow selected and repetitive amounts of preselected ones of the reagents to successively flow into said chemistry containers.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method as set forth in claim 31 wherein said transferring step is performed after said dispensing step.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method as set forth in claim 33 wherein said transferring step is performed after said incubating step.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method as set forth in claim 34 including the step of selectively opening said preselected ones of said valve members for a predetermined time period before reagent is delivered into the chemistry containers to allow the pressure in the reagent containers to cause flow of the preselected reagents into and through their respective delivery tubes and valve members to purge said tubes and valve members and to fill the same with reagent.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method as set forth in claim 31 wherein said transferring step also includes the step of venting each particular sealed specimen container to release the pressure therein after The predetermined amount of the serum specimen therein has been induced to flow into said pickup tube.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 90 words

The method as set forth in claim 32 wherein said extracting step includes the steps of successively sealing each of the chemistry containers, connecting said sealed chemistry container to a pressurized fluid to pressurize said container, inserting one end of an extraction tube into the contents of said pressurized chemistry container, connecting the other end of said extraction tube to venting means for a predetermined time period to induce a portion of the chemistry container contents to flow into and through said extraction tube into a test receptacle for analysis.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 200 words

A method of transferring a predetermined amount of a liquid specimen from a first container at a pickup station to a second container at a receiving station, comprising the steps of sealing said first container, inserting a pressure tube into said sealed container and connecting said pressure tube to a first fluid under pressure to pressurize said sealed container to a predetermined and substantially constant pressure level, inserting one end of a pickup tube into the specimen in said sealed container, venting the other end of said pickup tube through a venting valve for a predetermined time period to allow the pressure in the sealed container to cause a predetermined amount of the specimen to flow into said pickup tube, moving said one end of said pickup tube to a position for communicating with said second container, and connecting the other end of said pickup tube through a first valve to a second fluid under pressure and selectively opening said first valve for a predetermined time period to allow said second fluid to flow into the other end of said pickup tube to cause a predetermined amount of the specimen in said pickup tube to flow into said second container.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 200 words

A method of transferring a predetermined amount of a liquid specimen from a first container at a pickup station to a second container at a receiving station, comprising the steps of sealing said first container, inserting a pressure tube into said sealed container and connecting said pressure tube to a first fluid under pressure to pressurize said sealed container to a predetermined and substantially constant pressure level, inserting one end of a pickup tube into the specimen in said sealed container, venting the other end of said pickup tube through a venting valve for a predetermined time period to allow the pressure in the sealed container to cause a predetermined amount of the specimen to flow into said pickup tube, moving said one end of said pickup tube to a position for communicating with said second container, and connecting the other end of said pickup tube through a first valve to a second fluid under pressure and selectively opening said first valve for a predetermined time period to allow said second fluid to flow into the other end of said pickup tube to cause a predetermined amount of the specimen in said pickup tube to flow into said second container.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method as set forth in claim 40 with the additional step of venting said sealed first container to release the pressure therein after the predetermined amount of the specimen has been induced to flow into the pickup tube.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 336 words

Apparatus for automatically preparing a succession of serum chemistries for analysis, comprising serum conveyor means for conveying a plurality of specimen containers each containing a serum specimen along a first path; chemistry conveyor means for conveying a plurality of chemistry containers along a second path; means for successively picking up a precise and predetermined amount of each of said serum specimens and depositing a preselected amount of each picked up specimen into one of said chemistry containers; a plurality of reagent dispensing heads each disposed adjacent said chemistry conveyor means; a plurality of liquid reagents each contained in an individual reagent container, each of said containers having a supply of a gas under pressure coupled thereto for pressurizing said containers to a predetermined and substantially constant pressure level; a plurality of reagent tubes each having one end received in one of said reagents and the other end disposed in one of said dispensing heads for communicating with successive ones of said chemistry containers as said chemistry containers are carried along said second path by said chemistry conveyor means; a plurality of reagent valves each coupled to one of said reagent tubes for selectively opening and closing said reagent tubes; and selection means for automatically opening selected ones of said reagent valves according to the particular analysis to be performed for a first predetermined time period to allow the pressure in the reagent containers associated with said selected reagent valves to cause flow of selected ones of said reagents out of their respective containers and into and through their respective reagent valves and tubes to flush said respective valves and tubes, and then for automatically opening said selected reagent valves for second and subsequent predetermined and repetitive time periods immediately after said first time perioD to allow the pressure in the reagent containers associated with said selected valves to cause flow of predetermined and repetitive amounts of said selected reagents out of their reagent containers and into successive ones of said chemistry containers to formulate serum chemistries.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 336 words

Apparatus for automatically preparing a succession of serum chemistries for analysis, comprising serum conveyor means for conveying a plurality of specimen containers each containing a serum specimen along a first path; chemistry conveyor means for conveying a plurality of chemistry containers along a second path; means for successively picking up a precise and predetermined amount of each of said serum specimens and depositing a preselected amount of each picked up specimen into one of said chemistry containers; a plurality of reagent dispensing heads each disposed adjacent said chemistry conveyor means; a plurality of liquid reagents each contained in an individual reagent container, each of said containers having a supply of a gas under pressure coupled thereto for pressurizing said containers to a predetermined and substantially constant pressure level; a plurality of reagent tubes each having one end received in one of said reagents and the other end disposed in one of said dispensing heads for communicating with successive ones of said chemistry containers as said chemistry containers are carried along said second path by said chemistry conveyor means; a plurality of reagent valves each coupled to one of said reagent tubes for selectively opening and closing said reagent tubes; and selection means for automatically opening selected ones of said reagent valves according to the particular analysis to be performed for a first predetermined time period to allow the pressure in the reagent containers associated with said selected reagent valves to cause flow of selected ones of said reagents out of their respective containers and into and through their respective reagent valves and tubes to flush said respective valves and tubes, and then for automatically opening said selected reagent valves for second and subsequent predetermined and repetitive time periods immediately after said first time perioD to allow the pressure in the reagent containers associated with said selected valves to cause flow of predetermined and repetitive amounts of said selected reagents out of their reagent containers and into successive ones of said chemistry containers to formulate serum chemistries.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1978-08-25	1979-02-24	1979-08-26	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1982-08-25	1983-02-24	1983-08-26	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1986-08-25	1987-02-24	1987-08-26	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Apparatus and method for preparing and presenting serum chemistries for analyzation

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