The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 16, 1995
Filed:
Jun. 04, 1993
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Kawasaki, JP;
Abstract
A sampling system, favorably applicable to an automatic chemical analyzer, is provided for sampling by sucking and discharging liquid, such as specimens and reagents. The sampling system comprises a pump having a container in which an inner space of a certain volume is formed and an actuator arranged in the inner space to form a pumping chamber therein. The actuator comprises a base plate having both sides thereon and a piezoelectric element attached to the base plate. Further provided are a tube having one end connected to the pumping chamber, a nozzle conntected to another end of the tube, and an element for controlling a driving voltage applied to the piezoelectric element. For instance, the piezoelectric element is composed of two piezoelectric plates attached each to both the sides of the base plate. A piezoelectric sensor is attached to the base plate for detecting distortion of the actuator, a liquid level of specimens and reagents, and error operations such as air suction and jamming. The piezoelectric sensor is attachted to a cutout portion, partly cut out in either one of two piezoelectric plates. In case of being applied to the automatic chemical analyzer, an output signal from the piezoelectric sensor is used for correction of absorbance data.