Chemical analyzer

Claim 1

A portable analytical device for measuring the activity of ions in a biological fluid wherein a plurality of operations are performed on a test element containing a pair of ion-selective electrodes, said device comprising: track means for receiving a test element from a supply thereof and for supporting the element during each of said operations, said track means providing continuous bearing surface on which the element is moved through the device; housing means for supporting said track means in a fixed position relative to said test element; metering means operable in a first location adjacent said track means for substantially simultaneously depositing a predetermined quantity of reference fluid on one electrode and a predetermined quantity of sample fluid on the other electrode of a test element supported in a metering position on said surface, said metering means being operable at a second location to aspirate fluid into said metering means and movable between said locations; analysis means for measuring an electrical potential developed in a test element bearing said fluids and supported on said track means in a sensing position, said analysis means comprising contact means supported for pivotal movement over said track means; transfer means for advancing said test element through said device, said transfer means comprising an elongate member mounted for reciprocative movement in said track means, said elongate member being manually actuatable for advancing a test element from said metering position to said sensing position and for effecting the removal of said element from the sensing position after the potential has been measured; and means for pivotally moving said contact means and a test element supported in said sensing position relative to each other to effect an electrical connection between the contact means and said electrodes.