Akzo Nobel N.v.

Akzo N.v.

Gregory D Lewis

Mario Moreno

Dean L Keiter

Thomas B Givens

Roger G Roberts

Obstruction detector for a fluid flow line of a medical laboratory

An apparatus for detecting obstructions of a flow line. A detector housing is provided having a cavity therein. The detector housing has first and second openings into the cavity. The flow line is attached to the detector housing establishing a flow path through the first opening, the cavity, and the second opening, respectively. A pressure detector detects changes in pressure within the cavity, indicating the presence of an obstruction.

Method of detecting an obstruction in a fluid flow line of a medical

A mechanism is provided for loading the cassette into an operative relationship with a machine for dispensing contents of the cassette for use by the machine. The loading mechanism includes a base adapted for being fixedly mounted on the machine. The loading mechanism also includes a holder for releasably holding the cassette. The holder has one end pivotally connected to the base for pivoting about an axis for moving the cassette between a first position at which the holder releasably receives the cassette and a second position at which the cassette is placed in an operative relationship with the machine. The loading mechanism further includes a linkage mechanism coupled between the base and the holder for translating the holder along the axis as the holder is pivoted between the first and second positions.

Cassette and cuvette loading mechanism

A cassette for storing and dispensing cuvettes and comprising an enclosable frame defining an interior volume for storing cuvettes. The frame includes a removable cover to aid in loading a plurality of cuvettes into the cassette. The frame also includes a side wall having a pivotally mounted door for pivoting between a closed position and an open position for dispensing the cuvettes from the cassette. And, the frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the door in the closed position to avoid an inadvertent dispensing of cuvettes. According to another aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided for loading the cassette into an operative relationship with a machine for dispensing contents of the cassette for use by the machine. The loading mechanism includes a base adapted for being fixedly mounted on the machine. The loading mechanism also includes a holder for releasably holding the cassette. The holder has one end pivotally connected to the base for pivoting about an axis for moving the cassette between a first position at which the holder releasably receives the cassette and a second position at which the cassette is placed in an operative relationship with the machine. The loading mechanism further includes a linkage mechanism coupled between the base and the holder for translating the holder along the axis as the holder is pivoted between the first and second positions.

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Cary, NC, United States of America

Gregory D Lewis