Analyzer with fixed position bar code reader

Abstract

An analyzer automatically performs analytical operations in which liquid samples for analysis and required reagents are held in suitable vessels. To increase the number of vessels which can be received in the analyzer and to simplify the device for reading the bar code labels, the analyzer contains at least two vessel holders, a bar code reader, and means for automatically adjusting the focal range and the bar code reader. The vessel holders are disposed parallel to one another in the analyzer. A number of vessels of the same kind (for example, sample-containing vessels) are disposed in each vessel holder. Each vessel holder has an elongate body manufactured in one piece and contains a single straight row of identical elongate chambers for receiving one vessel. All chambers have a common base and are disposed perpendicularly thereto. Adjacent chambers are separated by a partition. The inner surface of a side wall of each chamber bears a first bar code label for detecting the absence of a vessel in the chamber. The outer surface of a side wall of each chamber bears a second bar code label for detecting the position of the chamber in the vessel holder. The first and the second bar code labels are readable by a bar code reader from one and the same side of the vessel holder. The bar code reader is fixedly disposed in the analyzer and used to read all the bar code labels on each vessel holder. The means for automatically adjusting the focal range of the bar code reader is dependent on the distance between it and the vessel holder.