Idexx Laboratories, Inc.

Nathanael Williams

David C Giroux

A method of measuring the degree of Z-axis variability in a chemical reagent test slide, which includes the steps of placing a Z-axis measurement fixture on a surface of a gauge block of an optical measurement system having a camera, mounting the chemical reagent test slide on the Z-axis measurement fixture, and positioning the chemical reagent test slide mounted on the Z-axis measurement fixture in optical communication with the camera.

Z-axis measurement fixture and method of determining the planarity of objects using the fixture

A Z-axis measurement fixture used for testing whether a chemical reagent test slide exhibits Z-axis variability, which may affect measurements performed by an automated chemical analyzer using such test slides, includes a planar main body that holds three stainless steel balls, each ball having a known and calibrated diameter. Portions of the stainless steel balls extend outwardly from the top wall and the bottom wall of the planar main body. A chemical reagent test slide is placed on the fixture to rest on and be supported at three points by the portions of the stainless steel balls which project outwardly from the top wall of the planar main body. The fixture is placed on the surface of a gauge block of an optical measurement system such that the lower portions of the three stainless steel balls will rest on the gauge block of the optical measurement system.

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Effingham, NH, United States of America

Nathanael Williams