Coulter Electronics, Inc.

Thomas Horne

Guenter Ginsberg

Robert L Kreiselman

Apparatus for monitoring chemical reactions occurring on a slide, cartridge or other reflective carrier in which the nature of the reaction is determined quantitatively by means of a change in color. The reaction products are illuminated by radiant energy of a known wavelength and the reaction is detected and/or monitored by the reflection of the radiant energy from the sample where the reaction is occurring. A plurality of samples carried on such slides is disposed in alignment in a circle or a line and a rotor or carriage carrying plural photometers or a single photometer producing plural beams at different wavelengths is moved relative to the samples, the beams being directed at the samples. Each sample is scanned at least once as the carriage moves or the rotor rotates and the reflected radiant energy is captured by photo-responsive devices and channeled to a computer where the data is processed and information acquired concerning the respective samples with regard to end points and kinetic characteristics of their reactions.

Apparatus for monitoring chemical reactions

System and program for measuring progressively the absorbance changes of a large number of aliquots from a plurality of different samples in a continuous processing mode. A plurality of routine samples are maintained in an ordered sequence in a sample tray which may be moved to a first sample pick up position. Emergency samples (stats) and controls (standards) are positioned in a second plurality of auxiliary positions which may be moved to a second sample position. A first and second plurality of reagents are maintained, moved to respective reagent pick up positions, picked up, moved and dispensed in respective dispensing positions by respective single reagent dispensing arms in a similar manner to the sample operation. The chemical reaction is then monitored by photometer means preferably having a plurality of photometric detectors such that radiation passes through each of the cuvettes and the fluids therein during each cycle of the system. Just prior to the sample dispensing position the cuvette is cleaned and tested to ensure that all the previously added fluids have been removed prior to receiving a new sample. Any one sample may be tested with different reagents or reagent mixtures in different aliquots placed in separate cuvettes at each wavelength as desired. Each sample aliquot and reagent mixture may be measured to determine the rate of the chemical reaction and the equilibrium or end point of the reaction or both, if desired. The array of cuvettes is continuous, because it is replenished at the end of each sequence prior to the addition of the new sample.

System and program for chemical reaction observation with a moving

Apparatus for measuring progressively the absorbance changes of a large number of aliquots from a plurality of different samples. The sample introduction, testing instructions, aliquot preparation, reagent dispensing, absorbance measuring and data recording all can be accomplished in a continuous mode of processing. Stat and batch operation also can be accomplished. The aliquots are in an array of cuvettes which is advanced slowly along a circular path. Photometer means, preferably having several photometric detectors, are mounted in fixed orientation on a common support that advances rapidly along a similar circular path, such that radiation passing through each of the cuvettes is monitored many times by a specific photometric detector by the time that that cuvette completes one circuit of its path. The photometric detectors can operate at several different wavelengths. Many different chemical reactions can be monitored at the same time. The radiant energy passing through each cuvette is received by the continuously moving photometer means, is converted electrically into a digitized value proportional to absorbance and is transmitted digitally from the moving assemblage of photometric detectors, cuvettes and electrical components to a stationary receiver. In one embodiment, the digital transmission is in the form of a pulsed train of light signals. In another embodiment, one or more slip rings transmit electric signals from the moving assemblage to the stationary portion. Suitable drive elements, sample and reagent storage and transfer mechanisms as well as cuvette laundry means may be provided as part of the complete apparatus.

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Harpenden, United Kingdom

Thomas Horne