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Diagnostics instrument

  • US 5,374,395 A
  • Filed: 10/14/1993
  • Issued: 12/20/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An automated diagnostics instrument for analyzing samples in test packs for analytes, said instrument comprising:

  • processing station means for expressing and mixing reagents with samples in test packs to form optically detectable analytes and for separating and sealing waste portions of said samples from said analytes in waste pouches of said test packs;

    sensing means for optically detecting said analytes;

    carousel means for holding an array of test packs in an upright position and for intermittently and arcuately moving said test packs past said sensing means so that said sensing means can optically detect changing transitory optical characteristics of and confirm detection of said analytes at selected periodic intervals;

    temperature control means for controlling the temperature of said samples including incubating means for heating the array of upright test packs in said carousel means and heating means for heating said test packs in said processing stations means;

    processing tram means for moving said test packs from said carousel means to said processing station means and vice versa;

    load door station means for ingress and egress of test packs;

    load tram means for transporting said test packs from said load door station means to said carousel means and vice versa;

    at least one of said tram means comprising a belt conveyor and a shuttle secured to said belt conveyor for detachably holding said test packs in an upright position; and

    said test packs comprising;

    closed disposable packs having burstable blisters containing reagents for desired tests, said closed disposable packs comprising flexible light transmissible plastic having portions for viewing said reagents and samples;

    impact resistant trays comprising backing plates for matingly engaging and rigidly securing said closed disposable packs, said trays defining a window-receiving opening in alignment with read cells and having horizontally slotted upper carrier portions and lower carrier portions, and said trays having posts secured to said closed disposable packs; and

    thermally conductive plates secured to said posts of said trays and engaging said closed disposable packs about said read cells.

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