Apparatus for coagulation detection by gas flow or plunger sensing techniques
First Claim
1. Apparatus for use in conjunction with a cartridge for conducting a coagulation detection analytical test on a sample of fluid, the cartridge including a tube-like member defining a reaction chamber into which the sample of fluid is inserted immediately prior to the test, and a plunger assembly extending into the tube-like member in a movable position with respect to the tube-like member, the plunger assembly having means interacting with the fluid sample in the reaction chamber to control the movement of the plunger assembly in the fluid sample in relation to the flow resistance of the fluid sample according to the coagulation state of the fluid, said apparatus including an actuator mechanism comprising:
- a block member having at least one receptacle in which to receive a tube-like member of a cartridge;
a cover member operatively movable with respect to the block member for movement to a first position in which to retain a cartridge in the receptacle and for movement to a second position in which to release a cartridge for movement into and out of the receptacle;
a slide assembly operatively retained to the block member for reciprocating movement;
means for reciprocating the slide assembly;
contact means operatively connected to the cover member and selectively movable into operative contact with a plunger assembly of a cartridge retained in the receptacles of the block member and into operative contact with the slide assembly, said contact means operative for moving a plunger assembly to obtain reciprocating movement of a plunger assembly within a fluid sample in a tube-like member;
andsensing means positioned relative to the block member for sensing at least a segment of the reciprocative movement of a plunger assembly within a fluid sample to detect a predetermined coagulation state of a fluid as a result of movement of a plunger assembly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Coagulation is detected in a fluid sample such as blood which has been inserted into a cartridge and operated on by an actuator mechanism. The cartridge may be of either of two types: a plunger sensor cartridge wherein a plunger assembly is reciprocated in a predetermined manner within the fluid sample and the descent of the plunger assembly is sensed to determine coagulation conditions, and a gas flow cartridge wherein gas is passed through the fluid sample to transmit liquid in bubbles and the accumulation of the coagulating liquid from the bubbles is sensed to detect coagulation. An actuator mechanism operates with either one or both types of cartridges to create the conditions under which coagulation can be detected and to sense the coagulation detection conditions. The actuator mechanism reciprocates the plunger assembly and forces gas through the liquid sample to create the bubbles.
111 Citations
14 Claims
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1. Apparatus for use in conjunction with a cartridge for conducting a coagulation detection analytical test on a sample of fluid, the cartridge including a tube-like member defining a reaction chamber into which the sample of fluid is inserted immediately prior to the test, and a plunger assembly extending into the tube-like member in a movable position with respect to the tube-like member, the plunger assembly having means interacting with the fluid sample in the reaction chamber to control the movement of the plunger assembly in the fluid sample in relation to the flow resistance of the fluid sample according to the coagulation state of the fluid, said apparatus including an actuator mechanism comprising:
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a block member having at least one receptacle in which to receive a tube-like member of a cartridge; a cover member operatively movable with respect to the block member for movement to a first position in which to retain a cartridge in the receptacle and for movement to a second position in which to release a cartridge for movement into and out of the receptacle; a slide assembly operatively retained to the block member for reciprocating movement; means for reciprocating the slide assembly; contact means operatively connected to the cover member and selectively movable into operative contact with a plunger assembly of a cartridge retained in the receptacles of the block member and into operative contact with the slide assembly, said contact means operative for moving a plunger assembly to obtain reciprocating movement of a plunger assembly within a fluid sample in a tube-like member; and sensing means positioned relative to the block member for sensing at least a segment of the reciprocative movement of a plunger assembly within a fluid sample to detect a predetermined coagulation state of a fluid as a result of movement of a plunger assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification