Eastman-Kodak Company

Michael R Smith

Anthony P DiFulvio

James E Ferris

Douglass L Blanding

Henry S Adamski

Michael S Montalto

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.

Apparatus for processing an analysis slide

A slide distributor is disclosed for transferring analysis slides between a plurality of modular elements in a chemical analyzer. The distributor comprises a rotor having a plurality of radial arms each of which has a slide holder adapted to receive an analysis slide and to transport the slide to a selected location in the analyzer. The slide holders are adapted to interact with locating means at each of the elements to facilitate the processing of the slides and transfer of the slides between the elements.

Slide distributor for a chemical analyzer

Apparatus is disclosed for drop-by-drop metering of fluids, especially biological fluids. A metering head, connected to a pressure generating means, is adapted to be selectively moved into fluid communication with a sample cup through which the fluid is metered.

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Rochester, NY, United States of America

Michael R Smith