Beckman Instruments, Inc.

John E Lillig

Edmund E Buzza

Richard C Meyer

James C Sternberg

Robert J Anderson

Paul E Theobald

Daniel B Seymour

Paul J Ashton

Robert K Neeper

Patricia A Sisson

Michael J Whelan

Orlando Flores

Thomas V Cheon

A system of modular analyzers each adapted for independent operation and each possessing different operational characteristics adapted for particular applications. Such modular analyzers may be joined together with precise indexing means such that a single sample carousel may be accessed by fluid transfer probes from both of the analyzers to thus form a system which operates as a single analyzer of increased capacity and versatility.

Modular analyzer system

The peak verify time for kinetic nephelometric measurements of reactions between antigens and antibodies is adjusted as a function of the magnitude of the peak rate order to reduce the time required for peak verification. The scatter signal is zeroed following the end of the peak verification period and the reaction is tested for antigen excess. Reactions during the antigen excess check having rates that exceed a threshold value are accepted as being valid, and no additional measurements are made for such samples. Reactions during the antigen excess check having rates that are less than the threshold value are rejected as being in antigen excess. Samples found to be in antigen excess are diluted and then reanalyzed.

Method for enhancing analysis timing in kinetic nephelometry

A method and apparatus for conveying liquids to and from a reaction cell in an automated sample handling apparatus. The conveyance apparatus includes a track and car system. A method and apparatus is disclosed which precisely positions the cars on the track. This positioning method and apparatus includes a plurality of apertures and spaces on the track of a size and spacing to allow the cars to accurately position themselves.

Method and apparatus for positioning cars in a sample handling apparatus

A containment apparatus for liquids. The device may be used with nephelometric instruments to contain sample liquids for serial dilution. The containment apparatus includes a tray section having a plurality of wells formed as an integral part of the tray section. The wells include well portions extending from the tray section such that the well portions are insertible into holes in the turntable rim to secure the tray section to the rim.

Tray section for automated sample handling apparatus

In a system which measures a parameter of a sample and displays information relating thereto, a circuit including the component elements of the system for testing signal levels at test points within the system and for displaying the test signal levels. Switching means places the system in either a transducing mode for measuring the parameter or in a combined transducing/self-testing mode for simultaneous testing during transducing operation. The testing circuit includes an operator manipulated probe for contacting any of the test points and an analog multiplexer input of the system for multiplexing the probe test signal and the transducing signal. The multiplexed signals are converted to digital form and processed by the system's computer for display. In the combined transducing/self-testing mode, the probe test signal information is outputted to the system display while the transducing output thereto is inhibited. The transducing output information derived during testing is processed and stored by the computer for subsequent display.

Measuring system incorporating self-testing probe circuit and method for

A method of determining the need for post-addition of antigen or antibody to an antigen-antibody reaction to ascertain whether the reaction is in an antigen excess or an antibody excess condition. The time rate of change of a nephelometric signal developed from the reaction is monitored to generate a rate signal having a peak value providing a measure of antigen concentration. The post-addition step is performed only if the peak rate value is ambiguous--, i.e. if it indicates one antigen concentration value for a reaction in antigen excess but another value for a reaction in antibody excess. The need for the post-addition step is determined from measured qualities of the rate signal including one or more of (1) the peak rate value, (2) the elapsed time from the start of the reaction to the peak rate, and (3) the product of the peak rate and the elapsed time. When required, the post-addition step may be performed during progress of the antigen-antibody reaction after measurement of the peak rate value.

Method of rate immunonephelometric analysis

A method of checking the electrical isolation provided by a gas permeable membrane for a carbon dioxide sensor in an analyzer for simultaneously measuring the carbon dioxide and chloride content of a blood sample as it reacts with a reagent in a sample cell. The method involves actuating the carbon dioxide sensor during its normal 'off-time' and measuring any signal generated thereby while a coulometric generator in the analyzer is initially activated to titrate to a repeatable initial value any chloride present in the reagent alone. Any signal generated by the sensor above a predetermined value is indicative of a defective membrane and may be utilized to inhibit further operation of the analyzer.

Method for checking isolation between titration and electrochemical

Apparatus for measuring CO.sub.2 in serum with a single pH sensor of the electrolyte flow-through type, the sensor including a gas-permeable membrane selectively passing CO.sub.2 into an electrolyte filled space adjacent a pH sensing electrode for reacting with the electrolyte to produce a pH change therein. The electrolyte space is connected by a conduit to an electrolyte reservoir for flowing fresh electrolyte to and through the electrolyte space prior to a sample measurement. A stainless steel metal electrode directly contacts the electrolyte of constant composition in the conduit upstream of the pH sensor to derive a reference potential thereat. The potential across the pH sensor and the stainless steel electrode is monitored, differentiated, and the maximum value of the differentiated signal measured to determine the CO.sub.2 concentration.

Electrochemical analysis apparatus employing single ion measuring sensor

A signal conditioning circuit for extracting unipolar noise from an analog input signal by isolating the unipolar noise component and subtracting it from the input signal. The circuit includes a coupling capacitor receiving the analog signal and an ideal clamp connected to the capacitor output terminal to clamp the capacitor to an edge of the unipolar noise signal. The capacitor is thus prevented from charging toward a level representing an average value of the unipolar noise and hence functions to pass the noise undistorted for subtraction from the analog input signal. The clamp comprises an operational amplifier having a first input terminal connected to the capacitor output terminal and a second input terminal connected to a source of reference voltage. A diode is connected in a feedback path between an output terminal of the amplifier and the first input terminal thereof.

Signal conditioning circuit

Titration apparatus for measuring chloride electrolyte in blood samples including a pair of coulometric generator electrodes for titrating the chloride with silver ions to precipitate silver chloride and a pair of amperometric detector electrodes for detecting completion of the silver chloride precipitation. The amperometric electrodes and one of the coulometric electrodes (cathode) are contained in a unitary electrode module which is mounted separately from the remaining coulometric electrode (anode) and which is readily removable for cleaning.

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Diamond Bar, CA, United States of America

John E Lillig