Photometric analysis equipment

• US 4,931,402 A
• Filed: 10/29/1987
• Issued: 06/05/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Tecan AG Analytische Instrumente Ch-8634 Hombrechtikon Switzerland
• Original Assignee: Tecan AG Analytische Instrumente
• Inventors: Abplanalp, Heinz
• Primary Examiner(s): Jones, Larry
• Application Number:
  US07/127,291
• Time in Patent Office: 950 Days
• Field of Search: 435/288, 435/291, 435/287, 435/292, 356/419, 356/73, 356/416, 356/39, 356/72, 356/244, 356/246, 422/63, 422/65, 422/67, 422/68, 422/75
• US Class Current: 435/287.3
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/109 with two horizontal degrees of freedom

Abstract

A photometric analyzer includes a primary rack (1) for holding a number of sample tubes (2), and a work table (3) located alongside the primary rack (1) for supporting a microtitration plate (4), the work table being positionable in any x/y direction desired in a horizontal plane. A sample distribution arm (5) is located above the primary rack (1) and the work table and can be positioned in any x/y direction in the horizontal plane. A photometer (6) is located in the positioning sector of the work table (3) whose beam path (7) vertically intersects the x/y plane of the work table (3). A programmable computer (8) is provided for controlling the entire photometric analysis equipment. The device is particularly suitable for performing enzyme immune tests.

Claims

1. Photometric analyzer, in particular for performing enzyme immune tests, characterized by a primary rack for holding a variety of sample tubes;

a work table located alongside the primary rack for supporting a microtitration plate 4 wherein the work table can be positioned in any x/y direction desired in a horizontal plane;

a sample distribution arm which is located above the primary rack and the work table and which can be positioned in any x/y direction in a horizontal plane;

a photometer fixedly located in the positioning sector of the work table whose beam path vertically intersects the x/y plane of the work table; and

a programmable computer for controlling the entire photometric analysis equipment.

2. Photometric analyzer in accordance with claim 1 characterized by a multiple head with a suction and/or reagent release function which is located above the work table and can move in the vertical direction z.

3. Photometric analyzer in accordance with claim 2 characterized by an incubator for holding one or more microtitration plates and having a lift mechanism.

4. Photometric analyzer in accordance with claim 3 characterized by the fact that the sample distribution arm bears a single channel pipette which can be moved in the vertical direction.

5. Photometric analyzer in accordance with claim 4 characterized by the fact that the multiple head, which preferably is designed as a double four-way head, has a four-way peristalsis for reagent release and/or a four-way peristalsis for suction.

6. Photometric analyzer in accordance with claim 5 characterized by the fact that the microtitration plate is designed as a flat base plate.

7. Photometric analyzer in accordance with claim 6 characterized by having a rinse fluid trough located below the path of the work table.