Biochem Immunosystems Inc.

Serono-Baker Diagnostics, Inc.

Charles R Preston

Peter A Bourdelle

The invention relates to a diagnostic medical device, and in particular to a blood cell analyzer which by manual or automatic operation withdraws and analyzes a minimal amount of blood that is stored in open or sealed vials. The analyzer includes a manually operated self cleaning sampling device for open vials and an automated self cleaning sampling device for sealed vials fitted with a pierceable cap.

Blood cell analyzer with tube holder and cap piercer

A vial cap holder and cap piercer for holding vials of varying sizes sealed with pierceable caps, said holder comprising: a frame, a holder adjustably mounted to said frame, a plate mounted on said frame below said holder, the plate having an aperture, a cup mounted on top of said plate for receiving a pierceable cap of said vial, a retractable needle for piercing the pierceable cap of the vial and to communicate with the contents of the vial, a driver for extending and retracting said needle, and a tongue pivotally mounted to the holder, the tongue having a beveled surface for receiving the vial.

A liquid diluting and transfer valve assembly of a type which includes at least a pair of valve elements with slidably engageable surfaces which are frictionally movable relative to each other are provided with passageways therein in communication with liquids and diluents which are to be measured and transferred by the assembly. The valve assembly includes measure conduits which are arranged for selective communication with the passageways in the valve elements with the junctions of the measuring conduits and the passageways taking place at the engaged surfaces of the valve elements. This valve assembly is provided with an enclosure which completely surrounds and encloses the valve elements. The environment in the enclosure is controlled in order to inhibit evaporation and or dilute seepage of the fluids between the slidably engaged surfaces of the valve elements in order to prevent a buildup of contamination resulting in greater liquid leakage, wear and tear breakdown in the valve assembly.

Method for controlling the environment in a liquid diluting and transfer

A liquid diluting and transfer valve assembly of a type which includes at least a pair of valve elements with slidably or rotatable engageable surfaces which are frictionally movable relative to each other are provided with passageways therein in communication with liquids and diluents which are to be measured and transferred by the assembly. The valve assembly includes measure conduits which are arranged for selective communication with the passageways in the valve elements with the junctions of the measuring conduits and the passageways taking place at the engaged surfaces of the valve elements. This valve assembly is provided with an enclosure which completely surrounds and encloses the valve elements. The environment in the enclosure is controlled in order to inhibit evaporation and or dilute seepage of the fluids between the slidably engaged surfaces of the valve elements in order to prevent a buildup of contamination resulting in greater liquid leakage, wear and tear and breakdown in the valve assembly.

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Quakertown, PA, United States of America

Charles R Preston