Eastman-Kodak Company

Anthony P DiFulvio

Michael R Smith

Glenn E Tersteeg

George R Hamilton

Apparatus is disclosed for processing a generally planar analysis slide in which a shuttle is adapted to remove a slide from a distributor, deposit the slide in a preconditioner and simultaneously move a slide from the preconditioner into an incubator. A picker is adapted to remove processed slides from the incubator. In order to ensure a constant temperature within the incubator and an effective transfer of slides into and out of the incubator within a relatively short time, the shuttle and picker are located at the same station and are operable independently of each other over a common path.

Apparatus for processing analysis slides

An analyzer for biological fluids includes a sample fluid metering device that is movable to a first metering position located directly over a generally planar test element supported in a metering station, and a reference fluid metering apparatus that is movable to a second metering position closely adjacent the first metering position. The reference fluid metering apparatus comprises a reference fluid supply reservoir supported in a location spaced from the metering station, an aspirator operable to aspirate reference fluid from the reservoir and to deposit the fluid on the test element positioned at the metering station and a cam and gear arrangement driven by a single drive motor for moving the aspirator linearly toward and away from the supply reservoir and toward and away from the metering station and for pivotally moving the aspirator between a position spaced from the supply reservoir and a position spaced from the metering station.

Potentiometric metering apparatus

An incubator is provided for use with a chemical analyzer of the type in which sample fluids are metered onto analysis slides which are subjected to analyses. The incubator includes a temperature-controlled chamber having a rotor mounted therein which supports slides in a plurality of slide-carrying positions. The slide-carrying positions of the rotor are individually indexable to transfer locations wherein slides may be placed on the rotor or removed therefrom. Cover means supported by the rotor include a plurality of covers associated with the slide-carrying positions. The covers are positionable to an operative position to partially enclose a sample fluid to control evaporation. Control means are provided to selectively move a cover from the operative position to permit an analysis slide to be positioned in the transfer location of the incubator or to be removed therefrom, without disturbing the sample fluid on the slide.

Incubator including cover means for an analysis slide

Apparatus is provided for processing an analysis slide in a chemical analyzer which is particularly suitable for performing both endpoint and rate analyses. The slide-processing apparatus comprises a slide transfer mechanism for selectively transferring analysis slides between an incubator and a read station. The incubator includes a temperature-controlled chamber having a rotor disposed in a horizontal plane therein comprising slide-holding members adapted to support each of a plurality of analysis slides at individual stations. Each of the individual stations may be selectively positioned to a transfer location wherein the slide carried by the rotor is accessible for removal. The slide transfer mechanism accesses the slide at the transfer location, removes the slide from the incubator, and delivers the slide to the read station. Following analysis at the read station, the slide is returned by the slide transfer mechanism to the incubator if the slide is being employed for rate analysis. If the slide is being used for endpoint analysis, the slide is discarded through a diverter portion of the slide transfer mechanism.

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Rochester, NY, United States of America

Anthony P DiFulvio