Abstract A multiple reagent test strip-reading instrument having rails extending from a loading area to one or more reading station platforms and then to a waste receptacle, a reciprocating blotter arm which contacts individual reagent strips sequentially placed transversely on the rails in the loading area, moving individual strips along the rails to an indexing strip advancing mechanism which intermittently advances the strips along the rails in spaced parallel relation, and after each advance, allows the strips to dwell for a predetermined time period; individual test strips being thereby sequentially delivered to reading position on the reading station platform where, during the dwell period, they are read by reflectance photometry. After reading, the strips are moved to the waste receptacle. Means is provided for insuring that each test strip is delivered to reading position in registration with the read head of the photometer, and means is also provided for pressing each test strip flat against the reading station platform. The indexing mechanism employs a strip advancing member provided with parallel rows of equally spaced upstanding pegs or fingers, there being guiding and drive means for imparting movement to said member along a vertical orbital path having a generally circular extent and also having a rectilinear extent parallel with the rails, said pegs intersecting the plane of the reagent strips on the rails when said member moves forwardly along said rectilinear extent and being withdrawn from said plane when said member moves rearwardly along said circular extent.
In combination, a base frame; a tray removably mounted on said base frame, said tray having a reading platform providing a flat surface support for a test strip overlaying said platform; strip engaging means positioned on mounting means adjacent said reading platform, said strip engaging means having an operative position in which a test strip on said platform is engaged thereby at spaced points and is pressed thereby against the platform, said mounting means being above said base frame and tray and being adjustable to effect movement of the strip engaging means between said operative position and a retracted position in which the strip engaging means is spaced from the reading platform; and cooperable shoulder means on said mounting means and on said tray positioned for engagement when said strip engaging means is in its operative position to thereby prevent removal of said tray from the base frame, said shoulder means being disengageable by adjustment of the mounting means effecting movement of the strip engaging means to its retracted position, whereby said tray can be removed from the base frame only when said strip engaging means is in its retracted position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
191 words
In combination, a base frame; a tray removably mounted on said base frame, said tray having a reading platform providing a flat surface support for a test strip overlaying said platform; strip engaging means positioned on mounting means adjacent said reading platform, said strip engaging means having an operative position in which a test strip on said platform is engaged thereby at spaced points and is pressed thereby against the platform, said mounting means being above said base frame and tray and being adjustable to effect movement of the strip engaging means between said operative position and a retracted position in which the strip engaging means is spaced from the reading platform; and cooperable shoulder means on said mounting means and on said tray positioned for engagement when said strip engaging means is in its operative position to thereby prevent removal of said tray from the base frame, said shoulder means being disengageable by adjustment of the mounting means effecting movement of the strip engaging means to its retracted position, whereby said tray can be removed from the base frame only when said strip engaging means is in its retracted position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein the mounting means for said strip engaging means comprises an adjustable mounting screw having first and second positions corresponding to the operative and retracted positions of the strip engaging means.