Apparatus for powder filling antibody testing devices

Abstract

An apparatus for assembling antibody testing devices for use in conducting biotests which utilize a powder fluid absorbing material to fill the housing of the antibody testing devices. The apparatus has several stations at which the various assembly steps take place. At the first station, lower housing portions of the antibody testing device are loaded onto a conveyor belt. At a second station, the lower housing portions are loaded with a fluid absorbing powder. At a third station, the powder loaded lower housing portions are engaged with a slotted indexing carousel wheel and are carried away from the conveyor belt. At a fourth station, the liquid absorbing powder in the lower housing portion is compressed therein. At a fifth station, a disk of filter material is placed atop the liquid absorbing powder loaded into the housing portion. At a sixth station, caps carrying membranes which have been spotted with receptors are engaged with the powder filled housing portion. At a seventh station, the assembled antibody testing devices are disengaged from the slotted indexing carousel wheel and are returned to the conveyor belt. At an eight station, the assembled antibody testing devices are vacuumed free of any powder which may have collected there. At a ninth station, the slotted indexing carousel wheel is forced into precise alignment such that its slots are aligned with the other stations located therearound.