Schiapparelli Biosystems, Inc.

Kelsey Loughlin

Norman Kelln

Bruce N Weyrauch

Leon W Schmidt

James Clark

Gary Richardson

Charles Butts

An automatic chemical analyzer utilizes reagents supplied in reagent bottles. The reagent bottles are labeled on their bottom surfaces with an identification label bearing a machine-readable identification code. The automatic chemical analyzer includes a reagent tray having a plurality of tray apertures therein which receive coded reagent bottles and which expose the bottom surface of each bottle for optical viewing of the machine-readable identification code. The analyzer further includes optical scanner means positioned below the reagent tray for reading the machine-readable identification code on the bottom surfaces of reagent bottles within the tray apertures. The tray apertures are selectively located over the optical scanner means so that the analyzer can identify the reagent bottle and the contents thereof. The identification label has a spaced pair of position reference dots defining and orienting a label area. A plurality of bit fields surround the position reference dots, their positions being defined by the position reference dots. Each bit field maps to a single bit of a multi-bit binary bottle identification code. Bit dots are printed in selected bit fields to define the binary value of each bit of the multi-bit binary identification code.

Reagent bottle identification method

Reagent bottle identification and reagent monitoring system for a

A liquid transfer module for a chemical analyzer is adequate to effect liquid transfers between multiple stations arranged in a common arc about a vertical axis on a supporting instrument framework. A rigid radial probe arm supporting a vertical pipette is fixed to a tubular shaft supported on the framework for both rotational and elevational motion relative to the vertical axis. It is surrounded by a powered pulley that imparts angular movement to the shaft. It is elevationally carried by a non-rotating bearing assembly arranged coaxially about the axis on a nut threadably engaged by a powered lead screw extending within the confines of the shaft. Both the elevational and angular positions of the shaft are electronically monitored.

Liquid transfer module for a chemical analyzer

A sample tube entry port for an automatic chemical analyzer supports individual draw tubes that are manually delivered to the analyzer at a sample access station. The entry port facilitates removal of samples by the pipette without exposing operating personnel to accidental contact with liquid materials in the draw tube. To accommodate draw tubes of differing heights, the apparatus includes a stripper that is selectively locked onto an elevationally movable ram carrying a receptacle for receiving a draw tube. A spring-biased tube clamp urges each draw tube against guides within the receptacle to center draw tubes of differing diameters. During operation of the apparatus, the receptacle is first lowered to a predetermined elevation, then raised to an intermediate elevation at which a draw tube closure is properly positioned for placement of the stripper immediately adjacent to its upper surface. The stripper is locked relative to the ram in this elevational relationship, which is maintained as the closure is impaled on the puncture tube and/or the pipette that accesses the contents of the draw tube.

Sample tube entry port for a chemical analyzer

Growing community of inventors

Spokane, WA, United States of America

Kelsey Loughlin