US4285906A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotatable detector
Assignee: Warner Lambert Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1979-05-11
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Granted: 1981-08-25
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Expires: 1999-05-11
Abstract
Abstract A rotatable detector for continuously monitoring twelve blood samples being evaluated by an instrument is disclosed. Each sample is held in a separate cuvette forming part of a cuvette tray. A single bulb illuminates all twelve cuvettes and the light passing through each cuvette is carried to a separate detector for that cuvette by a respective one of twelve light pipes. The cuvette tray receptacle bulb and twelve detectors all rotate as a unit to permit reagent dispensing at a single station while continuously monitoring the light transmission of each sample.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert J. Meltzer
- 👤 Donald H. Hansen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/25; G01N21/251; G01N21/253
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
209 words
A rotatable detection unit in an instrument for supporting a cuvette tray having a plurality of samples to be evaluated by the instrument, which comprises a horizontal mount carried by said instrument, a rotatable, hollow shaft extending vertically through said mount, said hollow shaft having an axis, a circular printed circuit board fixed to one end of said shaft and rotatable therewith, a plurality of light detectors spaced equidistant adjacent the periphery of said circuit board, a hollow, metal, receptacle means having an annular groove adapted to receive the cuvette portion of the tray, said annular groove being concentric to said axis, a spacer connecting said receptacle to said circuit board for rotation therewith, a light source positioned on said axis in a plane passing through said annular groove, a plurality of light passages extending radially in said plane through said receptacle to said annular groove for illuminating a respective plurality of samples, light attenuating means for providing a substantially equal amount of light exiting each of said passages, a plurality of light pipes, each of said plurality of light pipes being adapted to conduct light received from a respective sample to a respective one of said plurality of light detectors and drive means to selectively rotate said shaft.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
209 words
A rotatable detection unit in an instrument for supporting a cuvette tray having a plurality of samples to be evaluated by the instrument, which comprises a horizontal mount carried by said instrument, a rotatable, hollow shaft extending vertically through said mount, said hollow shaft having an axis, a circular printed circuit board fixed to one end of said shaft and rotatable therewith, a plurality of light detectors spaced equidistant adjacent the periphery of said circuit board, a hollow, metal, receptacle means having an annular groove adapted to receive the cuvette portion of the tray, said annular groove being concentric to said axis, a spacer connecting said receptacle to said circuit board for rotation therewith, a light source positioned on said axis in a plane passing through said annular groove, a plurality of light passages extending radially in said plane through said receptacle to said annular groove for illuminating a respective plurality of samples, light attenuating means for providing a substantially equal amount of light exiting each of said passages, a plurality of light pipes, each of said plurality of light pipes being adapted to conduct light received from a respective sample to a respective one of said plurality of light detectors and drive means to selectively rotate said shaft.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The detection unit of claim 1 further including control means for sequentially positioning the plurality of samples at a reagent dispenser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The rotatable detection unit according to claim 1 wherein said printed circuit board carries amplifying means for each of said detectors and multiplexing means for reducing the electrical connections to said unit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1984-08-24 | 1985-02-23 | 1985-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-08-24 | 1989-02-23 | 1989-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-08-24 | 1993-02-23 | 1993-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |