Beckman Instruments, Inc.

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Richard P Watts

Michael L Bell

David L Goodale

Dang Minh Ngo

Michael Tran

Songai Tu

Duane G Barber

Songtai Tu

Jack D McNeal

An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation. The machine also includes a sample station carousel having retainer clips for retaining a sample container rack which is constructed to retain a bar-coded card containing information regarding reagents used in the machine. A bar code reader located proximate to the sample carousel reads the bar-coded reagent information into the controller.

Automatic chemistry analyzer

A rate nephelometer of the type useful in automated chemical analyzers is provided. The nephelometer includes a laser for generating a polarized laser beam having an S-wave component and a P-wave component. The beam is split by a beam splitter specially constructed so that a known proportion of one of the two polarized portions of the beam is directed to a reaction container. In the reaction container, a first polarized component of the laser beam is used in a nephelometric chemical analysis. The remainder of the laser beam passes through the beam splitter to a laser control light detector. Before the remainder of the laser beam reaches the laser control light detector, however, the polarized component which is not used in nephelometric chemical analysis is filtered out. The laser control detector uses the non-filtered portion of the laser beam to control the output of the laser.

Rate nephelometer

A nephelometer and nephelometer/turbidimeter combination of the type useful in automated chemical analyzers is provided. The combination includes a laser for generating a polarized laser beam having an S-wave component and a P-wave component. The beam is split by a beam splitter specially constructed so that a known proportion of one of the two polarized portions of the beam is directed to a reaction container. In the reaction container, a first polarized component of the laser beam is used in a nephelometric chemical analysis. The remainder of the laser beam passes through the beam splitter to a laser control light detector. Before the remainder of the laser beam reaches the laser control light detector, however, the polarized component which is not used in nephelometric chemical analysis is filtered out. The laser control detector uses the non-filtered portion of the laser beam to control the output of the laser. The combination also includes an LED which emits a beam of light at a longer wave length than that of the laser. Such beam of light is projected through the reaction container to a turbidimeter light detector. A second beam splitter is provided between the reaction container and the turbidimeter light detector to deflect the residual portion of the laser beam away from the laser. This prevents the residual portion of the laser beam from being reflected back into the reaction container.

Nephelometer and turbidimeter combination

A non-liquid scatter standard for use in nephelometry and turbidimetry systems which comprises a clear silicon rubber gel in which an effective light scattering amount of inorganic particles are suspended. The particles have an index of refraction greater than that of the silicon rubber gel.

Growing community of inventors

Diamond Bar, CA, United States of America

Richard P Watts