Device for evaluating test strips

• US 4,867,946 A
• Filed: 09/08/1987
• Issued: 09/19/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft (Sanofi )
• Original Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft (Sanofi )
• Inventors: Karger, Matthias, Gross, Jurgen
• Primary Examiner(s): Marcus, Michael S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Griffith, Rebekah A.
• Application Number:
  US07/093,711
• Time in Patent Office: 742 Days
• Field of Search: 422/65, 422/66, 422/68, 422/58, 436/44, 436/46, 436/47, 436/54, 436/168, 436/170, 356/432-435, 356/445, 356/446, 356/448, 356/213, 356/218, 356/234, 356/236, 356/244
• US Class Current: 422/82.09
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2021/478 Application in testing analytical test strips
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/00118 for multiple tests
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/8483 Investigating reagent band test-element handling not specific to a test method G01N33/4875; analytical elements specific to chemical analysis of biological material G01N33/52; autometer with reagent band G01N35/04
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/86 Investigating moving sheets G01N21/89 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00029 provided with flat sample substrates, e.g. slides G01N35/028 takes precedence

Abstract

In the device for evaluating test strips having individual test sections, which consist of a terminal, a work platform with holder for the test strips and a sensing head, a position mark 5 is arranged for each test section 9 on the side of the holder 13. On the work platform 15, the sensing head 14 is arranged so as to be capable of of traversing the test sections 9 and the position marks 5. The sensing head 14 is provided with light sources 6, which are directed towards the test sections 9, of different wavelength and with a light receiver and with at least one position detector 10 which is directed towards the position marks.

Claims

1. A device for evaluating test strips having individual test sections, comprising:

a terminal;

a platform having a holder for holding a plurality of test strips aligned in rows;

a photometric sensing head having a plurality of light sources, each of a different wavelength, for directing light onto the test section of the test strip. said sensing head having a light receiver for receiving light reflected from said test section, and at least one position detecting means for determining the position of said sensing head relative said platform;

a plurality of position marks formed in rows on said platform, said marks being spaced from one another in each row by a predetermined distance corresponding to the spacing of adjacent test sections on said test strips;

a plurality of grooves formed in said platform, each groove extending substantially parallel to and between adjacent ones of said rows of position marks;

at least three guide pins projecting from the bottom of said sensing head for supporting the sensing head above the platform, said guide pins being positioned such that at least two of said guide pins removably engage with a respective one of said guide grooves and the remaining one of said guide pins removably engages with a guide groove adjacent said respective one of said guide grooves; and

means for indicating when said position detecting means aligns with a respective one of said position marks, such alignment corresponding to a desired position of said light sources and said light receiver above a test section of a test strip.