DE2244260A1 - DEVICE FOR PREPARING LIQUID SAMPLES - Google Patents

Description

"Device for preparing liquid samples" The invention relates to a device and to a method for Aufbereitujig and the chemical analysis of samples of physiological fluids, e.g. blood or other body fluids.

Such a device contains devices, which samples of liquids bring certain origins in quick succession into individual frosted glasses, Facilities for the automatic and precise addition of a number of predetermined test reagents into the test glasses at predetermined time intervals, Facilities in which the test batches each have a specific incubation period undergo at predetermined temperatures and means for removing predetermined Quantities of the test fluids obtained at certain times for the purpose of spectral analysis.

Chemical analyzes of physiological fluids e.g.

for the presence of sugar or protein or for identification other factors important from a medical point of view play a role in the diagnosis a significant role. The study of physiological fluids for the Presence of different ingredients is usually made by hand or in one automatic procedure carried out by taking a sample of the liquid in certain Sequence certain amounts of different reagents are added, with certain Time and temperature conditions are observed. The coloring or translucence the sample treated in this way has a certain relationship to the amount of one in the Liquid substance to be determined.

The manual examinations are usually done by one trained La1) were carried out in a laboratory.

This usually uses a graduated pipette to bring in the fluid sample to be examined in a test glass and then sets the for the respective examination in certain time intervals necessary reagents. In some tests, all reagents can, usually up to four or five of these can be added at the same time while others Investigations between the addition of the individual reagents determined incubation times have to pass. During the incubation period, the temperature of the partial or a completely assembled test batch can be increased to a specific chemical Induce reaction. After all reagents have been added and, if necessary, elapsed required incubation times will be a discrete amount of the sample liquid withdrawn by means of a pipette. On it the light transmission of such Sample can be detected using a conventional spectrophotometer. From the The value obtained can be used to calculate the optical density of the sample, and from this in turn, the proportion of the sought component in the physiological fluid be derived.

The disadvantages of this hand examination method are that it takes a considerable amount of work and time requires and that the accuracy of such an investigation, even under favorable conditions, is always is only proportional to the skill of the laboratory technician. So can relate to different Wise errors creep into the investigation, for example by adding incorrect ones Quantities of reagents or the fact that the incubation does not have the correct in each case Period and takes place at the right temperature. The inability itself of most skilled laboratory technicians, certain changes to thermally and oxidatively unstable ones To prevent reagents, forms another and often unavoidable source of the Inaccuracy.

To remove those adhering to the examinations carried out by hand Difficulties and shortcomings were already various automatic arrangements proposed, Much of the research currently being carried out is already carried out according to such automatic procedures. The automatic examination orders are able to carry out the necessary processes automatically, whereby the endeavor is to avoid one or more of the shortcomings of the manual procedures.

Known automatic analyzers mainly used two Types of devices for the automatic dispensing of certain quantities of reagents. U.S. Patent 2899 280 describes an arrangement in which clogging the Reagents to the liquid under investigation and the movement or transfer of the samples happens by a peristaltic pumping movement. The reactions take place in instead of a moving current. The quantities or proportions of the individual added Reagent is by the diameter of each tube in the peristaltic Pump determined. However, this has the disadvantage that the hoses are replaced must be to the amount or the proportion of a certain sample added To change reagents.

Most of the other automatic arrangements developed to date use dispensing devices according to Art a syringe for introducing a certain volume of liquid into a reaction vessel. Such a dispensing device is described in US Pat. No. 3,012,863. Such dispensing devices are capable of dispensing very precisely measured quantities, but must but can be adjusted mechanically to the different dispensing quantities. aside from that they are difficult to purify from a previously used reagent. When converting however, these two steps are required from one examination to the next.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides one automatic Device with a holding and transport device for physiological samples Liquid, a sample transfer station, a holding and transport device for trial batches, several dispensing stations for reagents and a removal station for transferring one formed from the physiological fluid and the reagents finished test approach to an analyzing device, for example a spectrophotometer or a fluorometer to determine the amount of solution passed through the amount of light emitted.

The samples to be examined are the physiological fluid taken from patients in a conventional manner.

The samples are then filled into individual sample cups, which are placed in Holes in the top of the transport device for the samples are used. An advantage of the arrangement is that the amounts of the filled in the cups Physiological fluids are not critical as they are a trial approach required amount can be automatically taken from the cups. Changes in Samples are prevented by a coolant, which is in a channel of the transport device, in characters the sample beakers protrude, is located.

The holes for the patient are used to identify the patient recording the sample cup is numbered consecutively. Each of the sample beakers has an actuating button assigned. The buttons can be brought into a control position and thus point an electronic logic control device, the respective samples of physiological Liquids that are subject to the investigation currently in progress should be. The optional operation of the buttons identifying the patents allows several investigations of trial runs of the same to be carried out Liquid sample.

The respective experiment or the parameters assigned to it like that Volume and type of the individual reagents to be added, the times and temperatures for any incubation required as well as that required for the trial batch Liquid volume, are entered into the device by means of a program card, on which the examination in question is sketched out. The ones in the device The inserted card forms a program memory for the electronic control devices of the devices. All that is needed to introduce other parameters is new program cards to be punched.

The examination runs completely automatically and requires after hiring the intended patient significant buttons and the input of the examination parameters no intervention by an operator, In a preferred embodiment, the sample transport device conveys the first a sample cup associated with an actuated button for identification of a patient to the transfer station, where part of the sample is transferred to the transport device for trial approaches seated trial glass is transferred. A removal part is used for this a liquid transfer device aligned with the relevant cup and lowered into it. The sample beaker is put under pressure and the samples required for the sample The required amount of the sample is taken through a controlled passage. The removed The amount of liquid is transferred to a test glass, which is in the transport device is used for trial approaches. If necessary, the liquid in the test glass a thinner such as water can be added at this point.

During the return movement of the transfer device for removal of the next sample, the tip of the sampling device is washed and dried.

The transfer device then lowers again for removal one trial batch from the next one in the meantime transported into the removal position Sample cup. These processes repeat themselves until out of all through the actuation one Trial approaches have been taken from the beakers marked with the button. The transport device then returns for the samples back into an initial position, which is preferably determined in this way is that the sample cup seated in the hole marked "one" moves around one Step in front of the transfer station. Simultaneously with the transport device for the samples, the transport device for the trial batches conveys the first one And brings the test tube under a first chemical reagent dispenser another empty trial glass in the position for introducing a trial attachment by the transfer facility. This continues with the release of the reagents Examination sequence, which depends on the programmer's specifications allows the electronic control devices to vary in various ways. In the A pressure / time control technology is used for the release of the reagents, the only one being moving parts only individually arranged valves are required. The for the The reagents required for each investigation can either all be carried out at the same time can be added, or they can be taken with several passes of the trial glasses are delivered individually to the delivery device. After adding certain reagents is an incubation time for a desired reaction to take place necessary. This can optionally be switched on after each individual reagent has been added will. For certain reactions that require an elevated temperature, the The trial batch is also heated via the program control during an incubation period will. After adding the individual reagents, the test batches can be mixed take place in order to obtain a homogeneous mixture, so that the respective reaction runs completely and an error-free result is obtained when analyzing the approaches will.

The reagents are preferably in individual bottles under the pressure an inert gas such as nitrogen. Heat sensitive reagents can also be cooled. The ones used to select the programmed reagents Valves cannot dispense the reagents required for individual examinations be rinsed with a solvent to avoid cross contamination To prevent reagents. Before starting an examination, the valves can be connected to the The reagents used are flushed through in order to dilute them to prevent residual solvent.

After the addition of reagents is complete, the transport device conveys the first a now finished trial included sample glass under a withdrawal device.

This takes a required amount of the trial mixture from the trial glass, whereupon the glass with the remainder of the batch is ejected into a waste container. Then the buttons used to identify the patient can be reset will.

With the device both end point investigations as also carry out investigations of the reaction course, i.e. kneading investigations, as required for different purposes. In kinetic studies Numerous variables must be precisely monitored or controlled, the most important Time and temperature. The temperature of the approach can be specified by the programmer be. In order to achieve the exact temperature, the sample can be used in a temperature-controlled manner circulating fluid are immersed.

A spectrophotometer or a fluorometer, whose output signals can be used electronically Data can be processed.

The invention is illustrated below with the aid of one in the drawing preferred embodiment explained. In the drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows an overall oblique view of a pre-heater according to the invention, FIG. 2 shows a partial top view with parts of the transport devices for samples and test batches and in between arranged devices, Fig. 3 is a view of the transport device for samples in horizontal section, FIG. 4 is a view in section along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 a schematic representation of a cooling agent channel in the sample transport device, Fig. 6 is an oblique view of a drive wheel for the transport devices for Samples and trial batches, Fig. 7 is a partial view of the sample transfer device in vertical section, FIG. 8 is a view in section along the line 8-8 in FIG FIG. 7, FIG. 9 a view of one in connection with the upper stirring device according to FIG Fig. 7 used extraction valve arrangement in vertical section, Fig.lo a View of the transport device for trial attachments in horizontal section, Fig. 11 a view in section along the line 1im11 in Fig.lo, Fig.12 is a view of a combined dispensing and mixing head in vertical section, Fig. 13 a plan view a selection device for reagents with associated dispensing valves, Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a view in section along the line 15-15 in FIG. 13, FIG. 16 is a schematic representation the temperature control arrangement of the transport device for sample approaches, Fig. 17 is a partially schematic view of a removal device for sample batches and a spectrophotometer arrangement with a flow cell in vertical section, Fig. FIG. 18 is a vertical sectional view of a device for reciprocating FIG Flow cell of the spectrophotometer, FIG. 19 a partially shown in section Side view of another form of sample transfer device, FIG. 20 a partially sectioned side view of another embodiment of FIG Withdrawal valve assembly, FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional view of the valve assembly according to FIG. 20 the metering device used, FIG. 22 another embodiment of the combined dispensing and mixing head in vertical section, FIG. 23 an image sectional plan view of another embodiment of the reagent selector with the associated valves, 24 shows a partially in section The illustrated side view of the valve arrangement in the device according to FIG. 23, Figure 25 is a sectional view taken along line 25-25 in Figures 24 and 26 View of another embodiment of the sampling device in vertical Cut.

The analyzer shown in the drawing is used for serial testing serum samples taken from individual patients in a conventional manner. The expression In the following, serum refers to any physiological fluid. The one to control The electronic control logic arrangement used in the apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 179 133 of the applicant shown and described.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the device an upper housing 10, which by means of a column 14 on a lower housing 12 is in place. A transport disk 16 for serum samples and a transport disk 18 for sample approaches are stored in the top of the lower housing 12. A The drive for the disks is housed in the lower housing 12. The lower part of the lower housing 12 houses a number of pressure-filled bottles 20, from some of which are housed in a refrigerated compartment 22. The bottles 20 contain the various for serum tests by means of the Chemical reagents used in the device. About changes to the reagents excluded, inert nitrogen gas is used for pressure filling.

On the front of the lower housing 12, transparent, darkened doors 23 monitoring the room containing the bottles without that there is a greater degree of changes due to the action of light on the reagents comes.

A serum transfer device 24, a number of dispensing cones 26,27,28 and a removal head 29 for sample approaches are initially the transport disks 16, 18 arranged for samples or sample approaches (Fig. 2).

Serum samples, of which certain quantities are then used for analysis for samples are taken, are filled into a number of sample beakers 3o, which in turn in equal mutual distances in the top of the transport disc 16 holes 31 formed are used. The individual holes are numbered, and a selector switch 108 designating a particular patient is theirs each assigned. Similarly, sample glasses 33 are in uniform Distances formed along the edge of the transport disk 18 for trial approaches Holes 34 inserted.

In operation, the is in a transfer position 126 A serum sample is taken from the sample beaker 30 on the transport disk 16 and by means of the serum transfer device into a test glass located in a position 127 33 on the disk 18 transferred. The ones used to transfer the Bbben Parts of the device 24 can during the return movement to the transport disk 16 while passing through a drainage recess 296 by means of water and air jets getting cleaned.

By means of the dispensing heads 26, 27, 28 the into the trial glasses 33 transferred samples as the transport disc continues to rotate step-by-step Reagents added. The trial batches prepared in this way will eventually removed one after the other by means of the removal head 29 and then an optical one Analysis supplied by means of a spectrophotometer or a fluorometer. The spectrophotometer or fluorometer can be housed in column 14.

The electronic logic circuitry for the control the various operations are contained in the upper case 10. The tax arrangement is programmed by means of specially prepared cards, which turn into one (not shown) card reader leading slot 36 are inserted. First the slot 36 is an array of buttons 38 for the hand control of some or all functions of the device available. Also housed in the upper housing 10 Electronic circuit devices can be used to generate the output signals of the spectrophotometer or a corresponding institution usable data such as national enzyme units or percentage concentrations to prepare. It does this by automatically comparing the on a specific one Sample-related output signals of the spectrophotometer with a standard solution output signals related to known concentration.

The transport disk for samples 16 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 is set consists of a lower, fixed base plate 50 and an upper, rotatable Disk 52 together. The sample cups 30 ~ are in holes 31 next to the outer one Edge of the rotatable disc 52 used. The individual cups 30 are each held in the relevant holes 31 by a protruding upper edge 56. They protrude through the upper rotatable disk 52 into a channel 58, which formed by a circular attachment 6o on the fixed base plate So. is.

The sample cups 30 become as they move along the channel 58 preferably cooled by means of air which flows from the cooling compartment 22 into the channel 58 is blown in. The air is thereby via an inlet 62 into an inlet channel 64, which opens into the channel 58. This causes a part the air clockwise and another part of the air counter-clockwise flows. The air flows through channel 58 in both directions around 1800 and leaves it then via an outlet 66.

The rotatable disk 52 is driven by a pin disk 68, which is fastened by means of screws 70 on its underside. Furthermore, the Pin washer 68 attached to a shaft 72 which is in bearing blocks 74 and 76 is rotatably mounted. The latter sit in a cylindrical holding part 78, which is attached to the base plate 50 upright.

The lower end of the shaft 72 is in one via a pressure ring 82 Cover 80 stored and secured by means of a nut 84.

The pin washer 68 is driven by a worm 86.

This sits on a shaft 88 which is rotatable in a bearing block 90 is stored. This is attached to the base plate 50 via a support 92. The drive of the shaft 88 takes place via a conventional coupling 94 for each half a turn, an associated pulley 102 and belt 96 from a pulley loo driven by a motor 98.

To engage the clutch 94, that is, to establish the drive connection to shaft 88, becomes a solenoid (not shown) excited. To When the rotation of the coupling 94 starts, the solenoid is switched off again, so that the shaft 88 with the worm 86 only rotates through 1800 at a time. If the magnet coil is continuously excited, the shaft 88 with the worm 86 becomes permanent driven.

The formation of two flights on the screw 86 is shown in FIG. A rotation of the screw by 1800 causes the sample beakers to move further by 30 um one position each.

The disc 52 preferably accommodates one hundred cups, so that so that to advance the equally spaced cups 30 by one Place a 3.60 rotation of disk 52 is required.

The pin washer 68 carries a cup 30 for each Hole 54 a drive pin 106. Due to the double turn of the worm 86 stand two such pins in operative connection therewith, although the drive in each case only done with a pen. The worm 86 is designed so that it the pin washer 68 only drives part of its rotation. Therefore, the control is carried out of the step-by-step further rotation by the screw 86 and is not of the exactitude Adjustment of the clutch 94 dependent. Through this independent control, everyone is Avoiding difficulties, as it emerges from the coupling 94 outgoing, cumulative positional errors could result.

In operation, serum samples from individual patients are separated into the individual sample cups 30 are filled. Usually the serum samples should not all be used be subjected to all of the examinations to be carried out in a row. For example the samples in beakers "2", 5 and 10 should be subjected to a protein test while all samples inserted into the transport disk 16, if applicable should then be examined for their cholesterol content. The choice of for A specific examination in question takes place by means of the individual Cups 30 each assigned, the respective patient identifying slide switch. In the example assumed above, the Switch 108 first the cups "2", 5 and "lo" in an actuation or control position to indicate that the samples concerned have been tested for albumin should be subjected. After completing the albumin test, for the cholesterol test all switches assigned to a serum sample 108 actuated.

After inserting a program card and pressing the one to be examined Samples assigned slide switch io8 becomes a start button 11o operated on the front of the device to initiate a series of examinations (Fig. 1). The magnetic coil of the clutch 94 is excited, so that the worm 86 begins to turn. The clutch 94 remains in its actuation position as long as to a scanning device 11o arranged below the rotatable disk 52 In the actuating position brought slide switch 108 is sensed.

The scanning device 110 includes a spring-loaded plunger 114 seated, approximately L-shaped feeler element 112. When the feeler element is displaced 112 moved by one of the slide switches 108 brought into the actuated position the plunger moves against the load by a spring 116.

As a result of the movement of the plunger 114, an opening 118 is made in a otherwise optically opaque plate 120 'between a light source 122 and a photocell 124. The photocell 124 then gives an electrical signal the logic control arrangement via which the clutch solenoid is now switched off and so that the drive worm 86 is brought to a standstill. The scanning device llo is arranged in such a way that it then senses an actuated slide switch 108, when the corresponding serum cup arrives at the transfer station 126. the Transfer station 126 is one position beyond that in front of the serum transfer device 24 lying starting position of the "1" designated cup.

On the shaft 88 is a flat stroboscope disc 128 with two diametrically opposite holes 13o, 131 attached and rotatable together therewith. One Light source 132 and a photocell 134 are arranged so that when the rotation Disk 128 at 1800 each a light pulse through one of the openings 130 or 131 falls on the photocell 134. The electrical output then emitted by the photocell Impulse is stored in the electronic control arrangement and enables this Identifying the respective cup 30 located at the transfer station 126 anytime. That of the photocell 124 of the scanning device llo for the patient The signal given by the slide switch is also used in the control arrangement stored and used to identify the individual beakers from which samples were taken became.

Upon stopping a sample cup 30 at the transfer station 126 the movement or actuation of the serum removal and transfer device begins 24. This device shown in detail in FIGS. 7 to 9 is in the upper side of the lower housing 12 and protrudes perpendicularly from it. The one above Part of the transmission device located at the level of the transport disk 18 for the sample batches 24 has a horizontal, pivotable arm 140 seated on a shaft 142 on. The shaft 142 is in a tubular shape Bracket 144 guided, which have a flange 146 formed at their lower end on the underside of the lid of the lower housing 12 is attached.

The shaft 142 is within the surrounding bracket 144 with a Splined shaft 148 connected. This in turn is connected via a coupling block 150 its lower end is connected to the piston rod 152 of a pneumatic cylinder 154.

To operate the cylinder, it is fed with a compressed gas, including preferably the compressed used for the pressure filling of the bottles 20 Nitrogen gas is used. Also the others present in the entire system pneumatic cylinders are fed from this source.

Before entering the cylinder 154, the piston rod 152 passes through it a spring-loaded pressure plate and its support base 158. In the cylinder is the lower one The end of the piston rod 152 is attached to a rolling bellows or diaphragm 160. Of the Rolling bellows 160 divides the cylinder 154 into an inlet part 162 and an opposite one sealed outlet part 164.

A compressed gas is supplied to the inlet portion 162 via an inlet 166 supplied so that the rolling bellows 160 is drawn in the solid line in FIG lower position moved. Accordingly the piston rod moves due to their fixed connection with the rolling bellows 160 in their lower position.

The downward movement of the piston rod 152 is transmitted via the coupling block 150 on the spline shaft 148 and by abutment of the coupling block 150 on the spring-loaded Pressure plate 156 on this.

Two springs fastened with their lower ends anchor pressure plate 156 168, 170 are guided on rods 172 and 174, respectively, which penetrate the pressure plate 156 and attached to the tray 158. With the upper ends are the springs 168, 170 fixed with end disks 176, 178 seated on the upper ends of the rods 172 and 174, respectively tied together. With the downward movement of the pressure plate 156, the springs 168, 170 stretched and oppose this movement with a resistance.

Simultaneously with its up and down movement is the spline shaft 148 can be driven in rotation by a servo stepper motor 180, the drive of which is by means of wear-resistant tension elements 194, 196 on a keyway socket seated on the shaft 148 184 is transmitted. The keyway sleeve 184 is in one by means of bearings 186, 188 a side bracket 192 mounted housing 19o mounted.

The tension elements 194, 196 wrapped around a motor-driven pulley 198. The shaft 200 of the disk 198 is mounted with the upper end in a bearing block 202. The bottom of the shaft has reduced diameter and penetrates another bearing block 2o4 as well a bracket 206 carrying the disk 198, which is on the underside of the lid of the lower housing 12 is attached. Via a shock-absorbing coupling 208 is the shaft 200 is connected to the servo stepper motor 180.

On the sfroßdämpfenden coupling 208 is concentric with the shaft 200 a disk 210 for optical position indicator attached. She has at diametrical opposite places two holes. These are arranged so that the one located between a light source 212 and a photocell 214 if the horizontal Arm 140 is above the transport disk 18, and the other when the arm 140 is located above the transport disk 16 for the sample cup. The one from the photo cell 214 emitted electrical signal is used to the up and down movement of the Transmission device with. synchronize the dispensing and collection of serum samples.

The traction drive for the keyway socket 184 is shown in detail in FIG Fig. 8 shown. The tension members 194, 196 are preferred the end an extremely durable material, e.g. a combination of beryllium and copper, manufactured. The tension members 194, 196 each have one end on the keyway socket 184 attached to the driven pulley 198 and wrapped with the other end attached to a spring-loaded tensioning device 216. In the pulling strand between keyway sleeve 184 and washer 198 may each have an additional tensioner 218 must be used, but this is not absolutely necessary.

The tensioning devices 26, 218 each contain a spring 220, which is held under compression between two seats 222 and 224. Seats 222 and 224 are designed as parts of connecting lugs 125 on which the ends of the tension elements 194, 196 are attached. The single-acting clamping device 216 is with a End firmly attached to a frame part of the device.

The transfer arm is at the beginning of an examination sequence 140 in its position above the transport disk 18 for the sample attachments (Fig. 2). The movement of the arm 14o from this position is indicated by a signal from the connected to the scanning device llo under the transport disk 16 for sample cups Photocell 124 triggered. The signal indicates that there is a mug with a serum to be examined is in the transfer position 126. Of the Servo stepper motor 180 is now fed via the electronic sialer arrangement and drives the disk 198 through the shock absorbing clutch 208. The drive of the Washer 198 is transferred to keyway socket 184 via tension members 194, 196. The tensioning device directions 216, 218 in the tension elements 194, 196 resemble the pulsating ones Drive the stepper motor 180 so that the keyway sleeve 184 rotates smoothly is moved.

After moving the transfer arm 140 to the 1800 in one position There is a cup 30 above the cup 30 at the transfer station 126 of the openings in the display panel 210 between the light source 212 and the photocell 214. The electrical signal then emitted by the photocell 214 opens Valve 220 between the source of pressurized gas and the inlet 166 of the pneumatic cylinder 154. The resulting gas pressure in the inlet part 162 of the cylinder 154 causes it a downward movement of the bellows 160 and the piston rod 152 connected thereto. Due to the rolling movement, the bellows 160 is designed for a gentle onset and continuous smooth downward movement of the piston rod 152 no damping required.

The coupling block 150 seated on the piston rod 152 is thereby moves downwardly into abutment on the pressure plate 156 and takes the splined shaft 148 with. The downward movement of the spline shaft 148 is supported by ball bearings in the Keyway socket 184 allows. Simultaneously with the spline shaft 148 moves also the horizontal arm 140 downwards.

The downward movement of the arm 140 continues until one is at its Elastic and compressible stopper 222 seated on the underside, sealingly in contact comes at the top of a cup 224 standing by.

One attached to the pressure plate 156 and together with this and the piston rod 152 upwardly and downwardly movable holder 126 carries one above the other two perforated plates 228, 230 for the optical scanning of the vertical position. the Perforated plates 228 and 23o penetrate openings in the respective correct positions of the arm 140 the beam path from a light source to a photocell 232 or 234 free. In the uppermost position of the arm 140, the light from a light source 232 falls through the opening of the upper perforated plate 228 to the one photocell 234, while the light of a light source 236 in the lower end position of the horizontal arm 140, in which the plug 222 is in sealing contact with the cup 224, falls through the opening of the lower perforated plate 23o onto another photocell 238.

The sealing of a serum cup 224 by the stopper 222 of the transfer arm 14o is indicated by an electrical output signal from photocell 238, whereupon the required amount of serum is withdrawn by means of the device shown in FIG is initiated. Two tubes 240 protruding from the horizontal arm 140, 242 'made of stainless steel pass through the elastic stopper 2-22. At the top Flexible tubes 244 and 246, respectively, are connected to ends of tubes 240 and 242, which is inside the hollow arm 14o, through the hollow shaft 142, the hollow spline shaft 148 and the hollow piston rod 152 hind, pass through and at the bottom of the pneumatic Cylinder 154 emerge. Within the housing 12, the two hoses form one Loop 248, which elongates and shortens the hoses when they are raised and lowered of the transfer arm 140 receives.

The lower end of the shorter tube 242 connected to the stopper 222 Hose 244 is connected to the outlet of a spa pressure valve 248. The inlet of the valve 248 is connected to the pressurized gas source, which is preferably below a pressure of about o.75 at. The lower end of the other, longest tube The hose 246 connected to 240 in the plug 222 is connected to a valve arrangement 250t. -The hose is inserted into a hollow holder? 252, Which an Alaska capillary 254 projecting upwardly into tubing 246. For airtight Attachment of the hose 246 is provided with an ender conical design Union nut 256 is pulled onto a likewise conical threaded connector 258.

The glass capillary 254 extends downward into the main valve body 260 and ends in a vertical section with a second glass tube 262. In a short distance from the intersection is the glass tube 262 on both sides expanded. Inside the two enlarged portions 264 and 266 of the tube is each contain a piston-controlled shut-off member 268 and 270, respectively. The shut-off elements 268, 270 each have an elastic sealing ring 272 or 274, which is used to seal the respective end of the tube in west contact can be brought to the narrower part of the tube 262.

The movements of the shut-off members 268 and 270 are via pistons 272 and 274 controlled. The pistons 272 and 274 can be operated by means of their own magnetic coils Set 280 or 282 in rapid motion. The pistons 276 and 278 are formed by round rings 284 and 286 are guided in the valve body 260 in a sealing manner and secured against tilting.

Close behind the shut-off members 268 and 270 open into those containing them Passages 264 and 266 each have a passage 288 and 290, respectively, approximately perpendicularly. In the retracted position of the respective shut-off member 268 or 270 are the vertical passages 288 and 290 in flow communication with the narrower part of the tube 262 and thus also with the vertical, calibrated capillary 254. The one passage 288 is via a connection 292 on the valve body 260 with a (not shown) waste container connected.

The other vertical passage 290 is via a similar port 294 connected to the valve body 260 with a pressurized water source, which is preferably is kept under a pressure of about 0.75 atm.

At the beginning of a transfer process, i.e. when the rotation continues the transport disk 16 through the transfer station 126, the two are located Pistons 276 and 278 in the front end position, in which the relevant passages 288 and 29o are closed. The transfer arm 140 is now pivoted and lowered, whereby the elastic stopper 222 sits on the sample cup 224 that is available comes.

When lowering the transfer arm 140 comes into its end position the opening of the upper perforated plate 230 between the light source 238 and the photocell 236. That from the photocell 236 delivered electrical The signal causes the opening between the pressurized gas source and the shorter tube 242 arranged in the plug 222 pressure valve 248. The gas that then flows in pressurizes the interior of the cup 224.

On the delivery of an output signal from the lower end position The photo cell 236 to display the solenoid is controlled by the electronic control arrangement 280 energized, which then pulls the shut-off member 268 back. Here comes the Waste container through passage 288 in fluid communication with the longer tube 240 made of stainless steel, the end of which into the serum sample contained in beaker 224 immersed. The pressure created in cup 224 causes serum to flow into it the tube 240 as long as the solenoid 280 is kept energized. As soon as a preprogrammed Amount of serum is removed from the cup 224, the solenoid 280 falls off, so that the shut-off member 268 returns to the closed position. The collection tube 240 and the hose 246 connected to it are, as described below, initially filled with water. When the respective amount of serum flows into the tube 240 under the supplied pressure, the water is displaced to the waste container. Included the serum never reaches the vertical calibrated capillary 254, so that The dosage takes place exclusively on the basis of the water.

The signal emitted by the control arrangement for switching off the solenoid 280 and thus to terminate the serum extraction also causes the resetting of the Compressed gas valve 248 and the escape of the supplied pressure into the environment. Afterward the compressed gas valve 220, via which the cylinder 154 is used to hold down the Transfer arm 140 is fed with the plug 222 on the cup 224, closed. The two tension springs 168, 170 acting on the pressure plate 156 are now not more loaded by the gas pressure in the stretched state and pull the pressure plate 156 up. This removes the clutch block 150 and the spline shaft 148 as well moved upwards. The upward movement is due to some extent in that Inlet portion 162 of the cylinder 154 damped gas present by this through the upward tewing bellows is compressed and only slowly over the inlet 166 escapes. Furthermore, the opening of the perforated plate 230 is closed during this movement the beam path from the light source 238 to the photocell 236 moved out so that the photo cell is no longer running.

Sim failure of the output signal of the photocell 236-sets via the logical control arrangement the supply of the serva Stepper motor 180 a so that the transfer arm 140 180 back to its position over the Transport disk 16 is rotated. When starting the rotation of the shock-absorbing Coupling 208 is the opening in the perforated disk 210 from the beam path between the light source 212 and the photocell 214 rotated away. The then occurring Interruption of the output signal of the photocell 214 can be used to to close the compressed gas valve 248, since the pressure feed of the sample cup is now is no longer necessary.

The return of the transfer arm 140 to the position 127 over the transport disk 18 for the sample batches is initially slowly increasing and then to a standstill over the disk 18 again decreasing speed. The acceleration and deceleration are controlled by the pulsating supply of the servo stepper motor 180 caused by the control logic arrangement. The changing speed ensures that not the slightest amount of the serum sample from the collection tube 240 is thrown off, as is the case with a sudden onset and stop of movement can happen.

When aligning the transfer arm 140 in its position over the Transport disk 18 enters the other opening the perforated disc 210 in the beam path between the light source 212 and the photocell 214. That is The resulting output signal of the photocell is fed to the logic control arrangement, whereupon this interrupts the pulsating supply of the stepper motor 180 and the Ejection of the required amount of serum from the collection tube 240 initiates.

To this end, the solenoid 282 is energized so that it engages the piston 278 pulls backwards with the shut-off member 270 in the valve body 260. Thereupon occurs Pressurized water from the pressurized water source through port 294 and the vertical Passage into the valve body 260 to the lower end of the one containing the serum sample Hose 246. The incoming water displaces the serum from the tube 240 into a tasting glass 33. The time that the solenoid 282 is kept energized is, is precisely controllable, so that each one using the pressurized water precisely measured amount of serum is expelled into the sample glass provided.

Preferably, the cup 224 is on the transport disk 16 beforehand a slightly larger amount of serum was taken in each case than for the one to be carried out Investigation required. This ensures that the required amount of serum gets into the test tube without the addition of water, which dilutes the sample and adversely affect the experiment could. Sometimes is a However, the addition of water is desirable and can be added accordingly.

The logical signal terminating the delivery of the desired amount of serum can, in addition to exciting the solenoid, each time over half a turn Effective coupling 94 are used in the drive of the transport disk 16, so that Now the next serum sample to be examined is placed on the transport disk in the transfer position 126 is rotated. The arrival of such a sample is in turn monitored by the scanning device 110 sensed, whereupon this via the photocell 124 the renewed movement of the transfer arm 140 for taking a serum sample from the available beaker 224 initiates. During the second and all subsequent swings of the horizontal transfer arm around 1800 from the transport disk 18 for the samples to the transport disk 16 The magnetic coil 282 is energized for the sample beakers in order to remove the sampling tube 240 to remove serum residues from the last serum withdrawal and by thoroughly flushing the tube 240, cross contamination of the To prevent serums, as well as to refill the tube 240 with water, which is then displaced again the next time it is removed. Flushing the tube 240 happens over one in the pivoting range of the arm 140 in the top of Container 296 inserted into housing 12.

Another version of the serum extraction and transfer device is shown in Figs. 19-21. This is for the up and down movement of the spline shaft 148 a pneumatic cylinder 600 is provided. The piston rod 601 of the cylinder 600 is via an adjustment block 604 and a short connecting rod attached to it 602 connected to a flexible coupling 606. The output shaft 608 of the clutch 606 is attached to the lower end of the spline shaft 148. The flexible coupling 606 serves to apply the up and down movement generated by the cylinder 600 to the Transfer spline 148 and the spline 148 opposite the adjustment block 604 and the piston rod 601 to be rotatably supported.

The adjustment block 604 serves two functions. At its, bottom a downwardly protruding rod 610 is attached by means of a lock nut 612, which is guided through a bushing 614 inserted into the support base 158. Of the Rod 610 provides a vertical guide for the up and down movements of the adjustment block 604 and the lower end of the splined shaft 148. To adjust the upperJ'i: ' The end position of the horizontal arm 140 are adjusting nuts at the lower end of the rod 610 616 screwed on.

Furthermore, the setting block 604 carries the above with reference to FIG. 7 described holder 226 for the perforated sheets for palpation of the vertical positions. The cylinder 600 is actuated via the one having an inlet 618 of the cylinder connected compressed gas valve 220. When the valve 220 is opened, compressed gas flows over the inlet 618 into the cylinder 600 to permit downward movement of the splined shaft 148 initiate. After the valve 220 is closed, a cylinder arranged in the cylinder leads (not shown) spring the piston rod 601 and thus the splined shaft 148 in FIG the upper end position back.

The withdrawal of the required amount of serum is initiated again, when the lower photocell 236 gives an output signal indicating the sealing of a Cup 224 indicated by a plug 620 on transfer arm 140. In the case of the in Fig. 19 is a sampling tube 624 concentric in a pressurized gas tube 622 out, with a sufficient ring passage for the exit of the compressed gas is formed. The two concentric tubes 622, 624 are in two parts by means of a Threaded clamping device 626, on the underside of which the plug 620 is seated, in the Held upright. They exit at the top of the horizontal arm 140 and are then reinserted into the arm 140, from where they are passed through the hollow Splined shaft 148 and run through a lateral bore 628 at the lower end thereof are.

A second tube 630 perpendicularly penetrating the arm 140 stainless steel faces the sampling tube 624 with its lower end. It is attached by means of a threaded nipple 632, which also serves to connect a more flexible tube 634 to the tube.

This is how the two concentric tubes 622 624 run through the guided hollow spline shaft 148 and emerges at bore 628 therefrom. That Tube 630 is used to remove the collection tube between the transfer processes 624 to clean externally adhering serum residues.

This cleaning process is related in detail below with another embodiment of the valve arrangement shown in FIG. 9.

In the embodiment of the valve arrangement shown in FIGS A single solenoid 636 is used for the required operations. The lower end of the concentric withdrawal and pressure tubes 624 and 622, respectively connected to a T-piece 638, in which in the pressure line 622 a feed line 640 for the supply of the required compressed air opens. Immediately behind the confluence the supply line 640 is the pressure line 622 within of the T-piece 638 locked. Thus, only the extraction line 624 leads from the input side 642 of the T-piece 638 to the outlet side of the valve assembly 635.

The supply line 640 leading to the pressure tube 622 is at the outlets three valves 644, 646 and 648 connected. The first valve 644 is a vent valve and is opened in each case to the pressure from the sample cup after sampling to escape. The second valve 646 connects when open High pressure gas source 647 with pressure tube 622. As detailed below explained, the high pressure gas is used to remove the sampling tube 624 after purging blown free on the outside.

The third valve 648 preferably connects one when open Pressurized gas source 649 with the pressure tube under a pressure of about 0.75 at 622 after a sample cup is sealed by the downward movement of arm 140 is.

A valve body 650 of the transfer valve assembly 635 is over a metering device shown in detail in FIG. 21 with the input side 642 of the T-piece 638 connected. Between the T-piece 638 and the valve body 650 there is the collection tube 624 in one short piece stainless steel pipe 652 connected, which by means of a conical thread and sealing nipple 658 in fluid communication with the inlet 656 of the valve body 650 attached thereto is. For the formation of passages one for the exact dosage of the serum withdrawal The pipe section 654 can be provided with constrictions 660 and 662 of a suitable size be.

As already noted, the extraction valve assembly is actuated 635 via a single magnetic coil 636, which is attached to one side of a holder 663 sits for the valve body. The armature 664 of the solenoid 636 is via a coupling 668 connected to a valve stem 666. This extends into the valve body 650, in which he has an elastic seal 678 through a drain chamber 670 runs into an inner valve chamber 674. Inside chamber 674 is at the end of the A shut-off member 676 is attached to the valve stem 666. The shut-off element 676 has essentially Spherical ends 678, 680. Three passages open into the valve chamber 674 682, 684 and 686.

The passage 682 leads via a connection part 688 and a valve 690 to a drain bin (not shown).

The second passage 684 extends from the valve chamber 674 through a second elastic seal 692 and the valve body 650 to the The threaded nipple 658 connecting the sampling tube 624 to the valve body 650. The third passage 686 leads via a connection part 694 to a valve 696, which when open, the inflow from a pressurized water source (not shown) to the passage 686 releases.

In operation, the horizontal transfer arm 140 is over the in the Transfer station 126 located cup 224 brought on the transport disk 16. The pneumatic cylinder 600 now moves the spline shaft 148 downward until the Stopper 620 seated on arm 140 comes into contact with cup 224 in a sealing manner. to At this point, the pressure valve 648 is opened to the pressure tube 622 the Supply compressed gas. After a time required to fill the cup 224 with pressure Time the solenoid 636 of the valve assembly 635 is energized to the valve stem 666 with the shut-off member 678 sealingly against the left elastic seal 672 comes. The extraction passage 684 thereby enters into flow connection with the valve chamber 674. Simultaneously with this, the valve 690 is opened, which connects valve chamber 674 to the drain tank. Below that produced in cup 224 Pressure enters the serum contained therein into the collection tube 624, whereby it is the water still contained in it from the previous rinsing process via the valve 690 displaced to the drainage container.

The amount of serum withdrawn is determined by the time over which the valve stem is held in the retracted position. After this Time is reversed the direction of the supply current for the solenoid 636, whereby the valve stem 666 is advanced again and the removal passage 684 with the Shut-off member 676 closes. Subsequently, the control logic arrangement operates the closing of the pressure valve 648 and the opening of the vent valve 644, see above that the pressure from the cup 224 can escape before the arm 140 is raised.

The pneumatic cylinder 600 then guides the spline shaft 148 and thus the arm 140 into the through the nuts 616 on the vertical guide rod 610 certain upper end position. The stepper motor 180 now directs the pivoting movement of the arm 140 to the transport disk 18 for the sample approaches. Swivel while doing this the concentric pressure and withdrawal tubes 622 and 624 respectively over the collecting container 296 in the top of the housing 12 away. At the same time, the high pressure valve opens 646 opened to supply the high pressure gas to the pressure tube 622. The high pressure air cleans the outside of the sampling tube 624 from any sticking to it excess serum.

The air supply continues for about 0.5 seconds, whereupon the arm 140 its Pivoting movement to the transport disk 18 continues.

Then the collection tube 624 is in position over a in the transport disk 18 seated sample glass 33, so the magnetic coil 636 re-energized to retract gate 678 while valve 696 is simultaneously is opened to supply pressurized water to valve chamber 674. The one fed under pressure Water displaces the serum from the sampling tube 624 into the relevant test tube 33. The amount of æ -given serum again depends on the length of time via which the valve stem is held in the retracted position. In the right one Moment the current feeding the coil 636 is reversed again to the shut-off element 678 to the right-hand elastic seal 692 and the connection between the sampling tube 624 and the valve 696 to interrupt. Afterward the valve 696 is also closed.

After the serum sample has been delivered, the arm 140 reverts to the transport disk 16 pivoted to the next sample from a meanwhile in the transfer position 126 rotated cup on disk 16 can be seen. The swing back movement will however interrupted to by flushing of the collection tube 624 to remove any remnants of the previous serum sample therefrom and so mutual Avoid contamination of the samples. The arm 140 comes to a standstill, when the collection tube 624 is perpendicular to the collection container 296 at the Top of the lower housing 12 is located. Then that becomes valve chamber 694 in The valve 696 leading to the valve assembly 635 is opened to the sampling tube 624 To supply pressurized water via the valve chamber 674. The one emerging from the collection tube Water falls into the collecting container 296. At the same time, the high pressure valve 646 opened so that the high pressure gas around the extraction tube 624 from the pressure tube 622 exits. In addition, there is a leading to the irrigation tube 630 on the arm 140 Valve 698 opened so that tube 630 sprayed water on the outside of the sampling tube 624 aligns. From the downward flowing air and from the side added water results in a turbulent aerated water flow along the outer surface of the sampling tube 624 for thorough cleaning of the same. Afterward the water valves 696 and 698 are closed again to prevent the flow of the To interrupt the sampling tube 624 and its external rinsing via the tube 630.

The compressed gas valve 646 remains open for a short while to allow the Extraction tube 624 to dry outside. Thereupon then sets the Arm 140 continues its pivoting movement towards the transport disk 18 to another Take serum sample.

Preferably at the beginning of a series of tests, the valve chambers 674 as well as the passages 686 and 682 are also flushed. This is done using the drain valve 690 and the water valve 696 open, while the valve stem 666 is in the extended position Position and the passage 684 thus remains closed. This then circulates the water in valve chamber 674 and then exits through valve 690.

Since the shut-off member 676 is in the extended position is located, a certain amount of water leaks around the valve stem 666 and enters thereby into the drainage chamber 680 penetrated by the valve stem 666.

During a series of tests, in addition to the removal of the individual Samples for the examinations the turning away of empty test glasses in the transport disk 18 into the transfer position 127 for loading with one serum sample each. The drive and control devices for the transport disk 18 for the sample batches are shown in Figs. They contain essentially the same parts as for the transport disk 16. The trial glasses 33 are in holes 300 in an upper rotatable disk 302 used. They rest below on the sole of a guide channel 304 on which they slide and are held in a vertical position by means of a retaining disk 306. The disk 302 and the retaining washers 306 are attached to a drive shaft 308 at their center. The shaft 308 is via a pin washer 310, a worm 312 and a clutch 314 for half turns of which also the transport disk 16 for the sample cups driving motor 98 drivable.

The drive shaft 308 is rotatably guided in bearing blocks 316, 318, which in turn sit in a shaft housing 320. Anterior end is the wave 308 mounted in a cover 324 by means of pressure bearings 322 and by means of an on the Underside of the lid seated nut 326 secured. One from the bottom of the Shaft housing 320 protruding flange 325 carries the supports 328 on which the Shaft 330 carrying screw 312 is held in bearings 332.

The coupling 314 for driving the transport disk 18 is over the electronic control arrangement is energized as soon as the transfer arm 140 turns over 1800 leading pivoting to the transport disk 16 for taking a serum sample begins. This causes the screw to turn 312 and moves in the process the pin 334 engaged with its thread, from which a rotating Movement of the transport disk 18 results. This rotational movement of the transport disc 18 continues until a sample glass 33 arrives in the transfer position 127 is scanned by a scanning device 336 arranged below the holding plate 306 will.

The scanning device 336 has a feeler 338, which on a from a housing 343 protruding plunger 340 sits. The plunger 340 is with a Slidably movable, optically opaque and penetrated by an opening 344 Plate 342 connected. The feeler 338 is arranged so that it is through a to the Transfer station 127 incoming sample glass is moved, wherein the plate 342 via the plunger 340 with its opening 344 in the beam path between a Light source 346 and a photocell 348 is moved. The then from the photocell The electrical signal emitted causes this via the electronic control arrangement Switching off the clutch 314 so that the transport disk comes to a standstill.

The relative position of the transport disk 18 for the sample approaches can be achieved through the use of a position indicator dial 350 in a storage part recorded by the control arrangement will. The disk 350 is seated on the worm shaft 330 and thus leads when the transport disk continues to rotate 18 by half a turn at a time. With every half turn of the Disc 350 pass openings 352 formed therein into the beam path between one Light source 354 and a photocell 356. The number of those that appear electrical impulses are then stored in the control arrangement for later use.

Transferring serum samples to the transport disk as described above 18 to carry out a specific examination continues until the transport disk 16 has made a full turn for the sample cup and the first cup is is back in the starting position. Reaching this position is about an optical scanner 358 is reported to the electronic control arrangement (Fig. 3). The scanning device 358 has a plunger 360, at the end of which an in member 362 engageable with a notch 364 in the rim of the pin washer 68. The notch 364 is initially the pin 370 corresponding to the starting position 129 educated. During the 'rotation of the pin washer 68, the plunger 360 is with the The feeler member 362 is held in the actuated position by the edge of the disc.

Upon reaching the home position 129, the notch 364 allows in of the disc 68 the extension of the spring-loaded plunger, whereby an opening 372 in a sheet 374 in the beam path between a photocell 376 and a light source 378 arrives. The then output from the photocell 376 to the control arrangement electrical signal indicates that all by an operated strike switch 108 marked samples recorded in the transport disk for the sample cup became. In the further course of the ongoing investigations, the transport disc will now be 16 not driven any further.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, those seated in the transport disk 18 run Trial glasses after leaving the transfer position 127 under the dispensing heads 26, 27 and 28 through. The first rounds can come about by that empty test glasses for loading with serum samples in the transfer position 127 can be rotated. The first dispensing head 26 is only used to dispense additives, does not have, like the otherwise identical delivery heads 27 and 28, devices to mix the dispensed reagents with the serum sample. The dispensing heads Mixing devices assigned to 27 and 28 serve to use the heads in question to mix the reagents supplied with the serum samples and evenly to distribute in it. The uniform distribution of the reagents serves to avoid this of local overconcentrations of the same i-n in the serum sample, which in the subsequent Analysis of the sample could lead to incorrect results.

An example of a combined mixing and dispensing head 27 resp. 28 is shown in FIG. The head is by means of screws 352 in the upper part of the held lower housing 12 and consists essentially of a lower dispensing device 354 and a mixing device 356 arranged above it. while the delivery facility 354 is arranged stationary, the mixing device 356 is by means of a on the top End on it and at the bottom end on the piston of a pneumatic cylinder (not shown) attached push rod 358 movable up and down. When caused by the cylinder Up and down movement is a stir bar 360 optionally in the sample approach in one submerged the trial glass underneath. The stir bar 360 extends from of the mixer 356 through a bore 362 in the stationary dispenser 354 and is at the top via a coupling 364 to the shaft 366 of an agitator motor 368 tied together. The stir bar 360 is made up of a stainless steel bar 370 and a on this pushed-on piece of pipe 372 made of a chemically neutral and resistant Material such as tetrafluoroethylene is formed. The lower end 374 of the pipe section 372 is closed against the penetration of the examination liquid.

In operation, by means of an arrangement described below selected reagents via separate lines 378 three in the dispenser 354 passages 376 formed. The passages 376 lead to above of the ready sample glass 33 opening openings 380 through which the Reagents are dispensed. The mixing unit 356 is then activated by means of of the pneumatic cylinder (not shown) moves downwards, whereupon the agitator motor 368 is switched on via the logic control arrangement. The fast turn in the sample glass 363 with the combination of the serum sample contained therein and the stirring rod lowered to the reagents added via the dispenser 354 360 ensures rapid and even mixing of the reagents with the Sample.

In response to a signal emitted by the logic control arrangement the rod 358 extended again from the pneumatic cylinder so that the stir bar 360 is lifted out of the test glass and the agitator motor 368 is switched off. the high speed of the stirring rod of preferably about 6,000 rpm causes in conjunction with the surface properties of the rod 360 that when lifting the rod Parts of the sample solution adhering to it are thrown out of the test glass, so that mutual contamination of successive samples is not possible is. The transport disk 18 is now rotated further to an empty test glass for Bring transfer station 129, the just formed and mixed Sample glass 363 containing sample preparation to the next dispensing head 28 or to the analysis removal station 455 arrives.-Another version of the dispensing and mixing head, - in which one Another mixing technique is used is shown in FIG. She also sits down essentially of a fixed lower dispensing part 702 and one above it arranged, by means of a pneumatic cylinder 706 up and down movable mixer part 704 together. Fin pressurized gas for actuating cylinder 706 is from a source of pressurized gas via a manifold block 708 and one formed therein Passage 710 is fed to inlet 712 of cylinder 7o6. The passage 710 in the manifold block 7o8 is preferably a tube drawn into it, which protrudes from it at the bottom and connected to a hose 714 brought in from a valve of the pressurized gas source is. A connecting part is used for the tight connection of the pipe section 710 to the hose 714 716 made of rubber. This two-part training allows easy removal of the Manifold blocks 708 from the top of the lower housing 12.

When pressurized gas is supplied to the inlet 712 of the cylinder, it descends the mixer part 704, wherein a mixing tube 716 substantially to the bottom of a is inserted into this sample glass located below the arrangement. The mixing tube 716 is composed of a tube 718 made of stainless steel and a pipe section 720 made of flexible, chemically neutral material, e.g.

Tetrafluoroethylene. Inside the mixing part 704 are the both pipe parts 718 and 720 by means of a threaded rubber nipple 722 held together.

The tube 718 only protrudes a short distance over the rubber nipple 722, while the flexible pipe section 720 is led out of the mixer part 704 at the top and on a flow control valve 724 seated on the rear wall 726 of the same connected.

I after adding certain reagents via dispensing tubes 728 the sample contained in a test tube 33 is fed to the inlet 712 of the cylinder a pressurized gas supplied.

The pressurized gas pushes a piston and piston assembly 740 Piston rod in cylinder 706 downwards. The top of piston rod 730 is on attached to the bottom of the mixer, c ls o4. As a result, the mixer part 704 is now guided along a vertical rod 732 ion the inFig. 22 moved out Drawn position lowered. The mixing tube 720 emerges from the lower one Dispensing part 702 out and into the test glass 33. At the same time, he is informed about the Control valve 724 is supplied with an inert gas, preferably nitrogen. This occurs at the lower end of the tube 720 in the form of bubbles, which then in the im The liquid contained in the sample glass 33 rises and emerges from its surface. By blowing through the mixture, which is controlled in its intensity via the valve 724 results in a thorough Mixing up at this point The combination of serum and reagents located in the test glass 33.

After a predetermined mixing time according to the logical Control arrangement, the valve that feeds the cylinder 706 with compressed gas is closed, whereupon a spring (not shown) in the cylinder moves the mixer part 704 into the position shown in FIG. 22 returns upper position shown in dashed lines. Reaching the top The end position of the mixer part 704 is the logic control arrangement via an approximately magnetic scanner (not shown) seated at the bottom of a pin 734 reported. The pin 734 extends through the dispensing member 702 and is in a Threaded hole 736 screwed into mixer part 7o4. This pen met together with the scanning device for the vertical position of the mixer part in particular the purpose of preventing further rotation of the transport disk 18 as long as the mixer part 704 is in its lower position.

An arrangement for selecting the necessary Heagentieri as well as for controlling the respective amounts to be dispensed therefrom is shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. This points a valve block 384 with a main valve housing 386, the latter being composed of six individual valve housings 388, for example is. Each valve housing 388 has an actuating solenoid 390 and five individual ones double-sided reagent valves associated with this. The respective actuating solenoid coils 390 each have an actuating shaft 394 which passes through the valve housing 388 and is attached to an actuating rail 396 by means of spring washers 398.

The magnetic coil 390 controls each time via the actuating rail 396 the upper and lower ends of five valve stems associated with the valves 392 404. At the upper end of each valve 392 there is a return spring 40O between two Levels 4o2 used. The valve stems 404 extend through the valve housing 388 and are on the other channel by means of spring washers 406 on the operating rail 396 attached. The individual valves have a central bore 408 at each end and 410, each of which ends in a transverse bore 412 and 414, respectively.

The transverse bores 412 and 414 are arranged in pairs by several O-rings 416 from each other and from the respective valve housing 388 penetrating Channels 418 and 420 separately.

The upper ends 393 of the valves 392 are each of a different study or other investigations than the lower ends 395. The two ends 393 and 895 of the various valves are with the center bores guided in them 408 or 410, for example, via hoses made of tetrefluoroethylene, each with different Reagent-containing storage bottles 20 in the lower housing 12 connected. the The reagents contained in the bottles are made using compressed nitrogen gas, which is chemically neutral and does not cause any changes to it, under constant Pressure held.

In operation, the one on the bottles with the required Reagents connected to valves 392 associated solenoid 390 energized to the To extend the actuating shaft 394 and thus the relevant actuating rail 396 to move away from valve housing 388. The operating rail 396 takes the valve stems 404 of the five valves associated with the respective solenoid 390 with. The movement of the valve stems 404 results in the two transverse bores 412 and 414 of the same in flow communication with the two passages 418 and 418 420 of the valve body. Only one solenoid is used for any given exam , 390 actuated with the associated valves 392. So it is now at the culverts 418 and 420 of the valve housing each one of the in the over tubing at the ends Bottles attached to 393 and 395 of the operated valves contained ten reagents to disposal. In the passages continuously penetrating the valve housing 388 418 and 420 can each contain the reagents between the enclosing the passages O-ring pairs 416 flow around the stems 4o4 of the unactuated valves.

Since only the lower or the reagents supplied to the upper ends of the valves must be the The flow connection of the two ends 393 and 395 can be optionally produced.

For this purpose, a magnetic coil 424 is provided, which is an actuating rail 426 depending on the end of the valves 392 assigned to a specific th examination emotional.

Lin Vählschieber 428 for the upper or lower end of the valves 9 has two steps 43o on the upper part, between which a return spring 432 is inserted is, and is- at the lower end, i.e. on the opposite side of the valve housing -.cl, attached to the actuation rail 426.

As long as the selector magnet 424 is not energized, there is a flow connection for the lower ends of the valves 39a (Fig. 15). If the magnet 424 is energized, so its operating shaft 425 is extended and moves the lower ends the actuator rail 426 holding the slide 428 away from the valve housing. Through this the flow path for the lower ends 395 of the valves 392 is interrupted and one such is produced from the upper ends 393 to outlets 434 assigned to them.

The selected reagents flow through the designated reagents upper or lower passages to the inlet side of extremely fast-acting and precisely working metering valves 436. With the outlet side are the metering valves 436 connected to the dispensing heads 354 via individual hoses 376. Two of those Valves are connected to one dispensing head 26 and three valves are connected to the dispensing head 27

The reagents required for an investigation are immediately available from F; initiating a series of tests on the inlet side of the metering valves 436 in FIG supplied manner described. As soon as there is a test tube containing a serum sample located under one of the hbgsbeköpfe the dosing valves 436 operated optionally via the logic control arrangement. The one not with a mixer provided first .Abgabekopf 26 is for the discharge of contamination highly sensitive reagents, such as those used in tests for cholesterol or Glucose can be used. Such reagents pose the risk of mutual harm Contamination that would make the sample batches unusable. You will therefore not supplied via the valve arrangement 384, but rather to the dispensing head 26 via the Metering valves 426 the same (not shown) other metering valves directly from the pressure-fed bottles.

The main reagents are used at the correct point in time fed by means of the dispensing heads 27 and 28. The logic control arrangement operates the respective metering valves 436 via a respective one for the delivery of a specific Amount of a certain reagent to the test tube. After the dispensing has ended, the respective mixer part lowers to include the serum to mix the added reagents. After mixing, the mixer part rises again and the sample glass becomes the next dispensing head 28 or, depending on the occupied position of the tasting glass, to the removal station 455 turned further. After completing a series of investigations, the passages 418 and 420 of the valve housing 386 with an inlet 439 in the valve housing via a valve 437 386 supplied water is flushed through.

Before starting an examination, the valve assembly 384 can be connected to the The reagents to be used for the particular test must be flushed through. You can use a test tube that does not contain a serum sample, and which one is rotated to the individual dispensing stations to collect the test reagents. The reagents flowing through valve assembly 384 and metering valves 436 remove any water present in it or any water left over from previous examinations Reagents.

Another embodiment of the valve arrangement for the selection of reagents is shown in Figs. 23-25. The main part 738 shown in Figs Valve arrangement is composed of a large number of individual valves 740, which are firmly connected to one another to form the overall arrangement 738. In the illustrated An example is the overall arrangement 738 in two blocks 742 and 744 from Subdivided individual valves. Each block contains several rows of five each Single valves 740.

There can be any number of such rows. In the illustrated For example, the right block 744 has eight rows 746 to 753 and the other block has seven Rows 754 to 760. The valves in the first row 754 of the left block 742 are used as metering valves for the supply to the dispensing and mixing devices of the oenfe 27 and 28, The operation of the valve assembly 738 is best illustrated in FIG understandable. One of the individual valves 740 is shown therein. It shows one of a bore 764 penetrated valve grains 762. In the upper end of the hole 764, a retraction magnet 766 with a thread 768 is screwed in. It contains a movable core 770 loaded by a spring 772 at the lower end thereof an elastic washer 774 is seated. When energized the Snule 775 of the magnet is the movable core 770 with the disc 774 thereon under compression of the spring 772 dressed. During the upward movement, d; Washer 7/4 one in hole 764 of the valve body 702 binding inlet opening 776 free. Below the inlet port 776 is a line 777 through a thread lip 779 for the Supply of a reagent from one of the pressure-fed bottles 20 connected. Of the The valve body is connected to an inlet and outlet passage opening into the bore 764 778 or 780 interspersed. The inlet passage 778 extends in each case of the drain passage 780 of the corresponding individual valve 740 in the one in front of it Row and is fluidly connected to it. The drain passage 780 is accordingly in each case with the inlet passage 778 of the next following individual valve 740 in flow connection. The necessary seal between the individual valves 740 is provided by O-rings 782, 784 guaranteed. The lining up of the inlet and outlet passages 778 and 780 is best seen in FIG.

The individual valves 740 are in rows of five in the two Blocks 742 and 744 arranged. For any test to be carried out on a serum sample the five individual valves 740 in a row are actuated. Be in operation the actuating magnets 766 of the five individual valves 740 in one with the for the relevant investigation preprogrammed reagents fed series as well as the of the metering valves in row 754 are energized. From each with Series 746 to 753 and 755 to 760 are equipped with five individual valves, respectively only operated in a row. The inlets 776 of the actuated valves one Reagents supplied in series flow into and exit the bores 764 of the valve body this via the drainage outlets 7So. From there they get into the inlet passage of the next valve body, flow around it through the elastic disc 774 closed inlet 776 and leave the valve body concerned again the drain passage 780. This flow continues until the reagents, if any the actuated row of valves is in the left block, the metering valves in the Reach row 754. If a row of valves in the right block 744 is actuated, then flow the appropriate reagents via the drain ports 780 of the 'top row 746 of individual valves with the drainage passages corresponding passages 78o the Valves in series 754, lines 786 to 790 connecting the metering valves of the Row 754 to. The 754 series dosing valves have the same design as the remaining individual valves, but with both passages 778 and 780 as inlet passages are operative and inlet 776 is used as the drain passage -y-at which the lines 378 leading to the delivery and delivery devices 27, 28 are connected are there It can be seen that only those of the respectively actuated valve rows 746 to 753 and 755 to 760 assigned to the metering valves of the series 754 and exit through their drainage passages 776.

For example, there are only three reagents for a particular test required, the metering valves of the 754 series are indeed all five den Reagents assigned to valves of the actuated row are supplied to the metering valves However, 740 of the 754 series are then selectively actuated to remove the To deliver or not to deliver reagents. The one from the dosing valves in the series 754 outgoing lines 378 form the supply lines for the dispensing and mixing devices 27 and 28.

Preferably those are required for a specific examination Reagents on the inlet side of the metering valves in row 754 at the start of the investigation series fed immediately. For this purpose, the valves corresponding to the reagents required are used 740 one of the series 746 to 753 and 755 to 760 as well as the metering valves of the series 754 operated simultaneously, so that the reagents to be used in these flow in and through them until the valves and lines 378 are complete are filled in with it. The valves of the actuated series 746 to 753 resp. 755 to 760 then remain in the actuation position, while the metering valves of the Row 754 will be closed again. Rinsing with the reagents ensures that that water or reagent therefrom left in the individual valves or lines is removed, and that the metering valves are correct the first time they are operated Dispense the dosed amount of the respective reagent.

After completing a series of examinations, the various Passages 778 and 780 in valve assembly 738 are flushed with water. A number of flushing valves 792 are used for this purpose, which with their inlets 776 connected via lines 794 to a source of pressurized water (not shown) are. The inlet and outlet passages 778 and 780 in the valve bodies of the flush valves are individually connected to the inlet passages 778 of the valve body 740 via lines 796 connected in the two lower rows 760 and 753 of the two blocks 742 and 744.

By using the inlet and outlet passages 778 in this way, 780 of the flushing valves 792 five flushing valves are sufficient off, the ten To wind through longitudinal rows of individual valves.

The 754 series dosing valves are also used for flushing the purge valves 792 'of the 794 series are opened.

As a result, the water is capable of all adjoining inflow and Drainage passages 778 and 780 in the valve assembly 738, the metering valves of the Row j54 as well as' to flow through the lines 378-. After the 'rinsing the flushing and metering valves of the 794 'and 754 in preparation for the following investigation closed again.

The programmer is available to carry out the desired examinations various options open. These are at least partially determined the type of examination to be carried out. For a normal serum chemical test the reagents can be added in the manner described above, whereupon the trial glasses 33 each a certain amount when passing under the removal head 29 Amount of the test liquid obtained is taken. The removal as well of the analysis method are described in detail below.

However, there are certain serum tests where after Adding one or more reagents and, before adding further reagents, one Incubation period must elapse. During this'ör'Tnkub'at, ioÄ's time is common a precisely maintained elevated temperature is required.

According to these requirements, the reagents are optionally used not all of the sample glasses under the dispensing heads 27 on the first pass and 28 added.

For some investigations, certain reagents must first be in the test glasses are introduced and the mixtures formed in this way before introduction of the serum-be preheated to a certain temperature. During the respective Duration of the incubation via the logical control arrangement is controllable, must for increasing the temperature of certain facilities in the area of the transport disk 18 itself must be present.

A system for quickly increasing the temperature to the desired ... value is shown schematically in FIG.

It contains a container 440, which with a to prevent liquid 442 treated for bacterial growth is filled. The liquid 442 is by means of a pump 444 continuously over a heater 446 and back circulated in the container 440. Is now an incubation at prescribed increased temperature of the sample preparation, so the heated liquid 442 via a valve 450 of the holding channel 3o4 of the transport disk inserted in its circulation path 18 supplied, in which it is in contact with the test glasses 33 guided therein comes. Along the circumference of the transport disk 18 are a or in the holding groove several heat sensors, e.g. thermistors, arranged, which the heating of the liquid controlled by the heater 446 depending on the desired temperature.

The continuously supplied liquid 442 rises in the channel 304 up to an overflow 452, via which it flows back into the container 440 (Fig. 11). The liquid is in this way over the channel 304 of the transport disk 18 kept in circulation until the logic controller sends a signal to complete the incubation at elevated temperature gives off. The valve 450 then directs the Liquid flowing in from heater 446 no longer enters channel 304 but back into the container 440 again. To drain the ones still in the gutter: existing Liquid is also opened to an outlet provided in its bottom, which back to container 44o "" ' leads.

Possibly is now .. the. Temperature at which the liquid was heated above that for permanent.

Circulation provided value. In this case, a suf the pump 446 following valve 448 .the, liquid ruin over the serpentine one Condenser 454 and back into the container 440. The liquid is on this Ways kept circulating; .until it has reached the desired temperature again, whereupon she; then through the valve 448 again via the heating device 446 and that Valve 45O is passed into the container.

The various feasible by means of the device.

Investigations as well as the serum transfer, the delivery of reagents and the incubation processes take place under the control of the electronic logic control arrangement and are in the aforementioned patent application the applicant described in detail .. According to.

the addition of the reagents required in each case and completion of any required incubation times, the finished sample preparation is obtained by means of the removal device 29 taken.

The removal device 29 is shown in detail in FIG. she is provided with a hollow stand 456 surrounding a vertically movable rod 457 placed on the lower housing 12. The rod 457 carries at its upper end a horizontal arm 458. Similar to that on arm 140 of the transfer device Plug 460 is attached to the underside of the free end of arm 458 and protrudes into this. The stopper 460 contains two tubes 462 and 464 made of stainless steel Steel, which is attached to the ends of flexible lines 466 resp. 468 are connected. The shorter tube 464 is via line 468 with the The outlet of a pressure valve 470, the inlet of which is connected to the pressure gas source 471 connected.

The lower end of the vertically movable rod 457 is with the piston rod 472 of a pneumatic cylinder 474 is connected. For the downward movement of the piston rod 472 is fed pressurized gas to an inlet 475 formed on top of cylinder 474. Through this the horizontal arm 458 descends onto a standing sample glass 33, with the longer 462 of the two steel tubes seated in the stopper 46o in the one in question The test tube 33 is immersed in the sample approach and the stopper 460 the The top of the tasting glass is tightly sealed. The line attached to the longer tube 462 466 is passed through the hollow piston rod 472 and the cylinder 474 and opens in a flow-through cell 479 such as that used in a spectrophotometer. On the other hand is the flow cell 479 with the inlet of a valve 485 connected, the outlet of which leads to a drain container 486.

Receives the logical control arrangement in operation the message that all reagents were added and the required incubation times elapsed are, then the trial glasses 33 containing the finished sample batches are successively rotated into the removal position 455. There is a certain amount of each Samples taken and fed to the flow cell 479 for analysis, whereupon then the next sample approach is turned into the removal position and the Removal process repeated. After a sample approach is advanced into the removal position is, the pressurized gas valve 476 opens, so that pressurized gas via the inlet 475 into the upper Part of the cylinder 474 flows. This lowers the horizontal arm 458 to in Attachment of the plug 46O on the sample glass 33 that is ready. The pressure valve 4 "is then opened to allow the sample to flow into the test tube with pressurized gas fed through the longer tube 464 in the stopper 460.

Then the valve 435 is opened so that the sample approach by the gas pressure prevailing in the sample glass 33 into the sampling tube 462 and Via the flexible line 466 connected to it into the penetration cell 479 can be pressed.

In this way, a larger amount of the sample is left over the sampling tube 462, the conduit 466 and the flow-through cell 479 drain, before valve 485 is closed, the sample liquid is in the flow cell hold back. The initial drainage of a certain amount of the sample serves to remove residues of the previous sample preparation from the tube, the lines, the flow cell and valve to wash out the mutual contamination of the samples and their adverse effect on the subsequent spectroanalysis turn off.

The spectroanalysis of the sample is carried out by means of a usual Spectrophotometer carried out, which is modified to the effect that it instead of the frequently used rotating mirror to interrupt the beam path Has devices by means of which the flow cell into the beam path is movable in and out of this.

As can be seen in FIG. 18, the flow cell 479 is by means of Bearing 488 guided linearly movable on a rail 49O. The lower part of the flow cell is connected to a slot guide 494 via a screw 492, for example. In the slot 495 of the slot guide 494 is a pin seated at the end of a link arm 498 496 movably guided. On the other side of the crank arm 498 is another one Pin 5Oo mounted by means of ball bearings 5O2. The cone. 500 is eccentric on a driven wheel 5o4 used. The wheel 5O4 is powered by an electric motor 506 driven at about 30 rpm.

When the wheel 5o4 is driven by the motor 5O, the flow cell 482 is reciprocated via the crank arm 498 along the rail 49O. At this Movement comes the flow cell with the contained therein Sample preparation intermittently in the beam path. Thus, it results from the back and forth movement the continuous flow cell with the sample preparation a continuous sequence of calibration signals for the spectrophotometer. On, this can be an electronic circuit arrangement be connected, which its output signals to various forms of usable Data prepared.

When the spectrophotometer analysis is finished, the pressurized gas valve will open 475 is closed and the lower end of the cylinder 474 is pressurized gas through another Valve 477 supplied (Fig. 17). With the resulting upward movement the elastic stopper 460 lifts from the sample glass 33, while the horizontal one Arm 458 returns to its upper end position. Finally, upon termination of the individual investigations, the compressed gas supply valve 47O is also closed '.

Another embodiment of the removal device 29 is shown in FIG. In this version, one is used for the timed up and down movement Removal head 8O6 a pneumatic cylinder 8On, which has the same structure like that shown in FIG Alternative version of the mixing and dispensing head 27, 28 used cylinder 706. A pressurized gas is via a supply line 803 is fed to a passage 804 of its manifold block 807. Passage 804 conducts the pressurized gas through an inlet 802 into the cylinder 800 to a guided therein Move the piston downwards. One at the bottom of the horizontal arm 458 engaging piston rod 805 transmits the downward movement to the removal head 806. This is guided in its downward movement by a vertical rod 808, on which it is movably guided by means of bearings 810, for example. The lower end position des'Entnahmkopfs 806 is through the stroke of aes piston with the piston rod 805 in the Cylinder 800 determined. When it is reached, a stop pin 812 is used to feel it, which sits in a threaded hole 814 in the underside of the removal head 806. -In the lower end position, the pin 812 comes into contact with a signal transmitter, for example a switch or a magnetic sensor, which then switches to the Emits signal indicating that it has reached the lower end positions. This the electronic one The signal supplied to the control arrangement is used to prevent further rotation of the transport disk 18 as long as the removal head 806 is in the lower end position.

The removal of the finished sample from the i'n the sampling point 455 located on the transport disk 18 is carried out via a at the downward movement of the sampling head 806 into the sample glass 33 with the sample attachment inserted tube 816 made of stainless steel. The collection tube 816 runs up into the extraction head and is there at the one leading to the flow cell 479 flexible line 466 connected. The tight connection of the tube 816 with the line 466 is guaranteed by a threaded rubber nipple 822.

Immediately below the connecting end 818 of the flexible conduit 466 a somewhat widened bore 824 is formed. The collection tube 816 is held essentially concentrically in bore 824 by rubber nipple 822 and extends through this as well as through a resilient plug 826 before it emerges from the underside of the removal head 806 and enters the sample glass 33 with it protrudes into its content. A second flexible conduit 828 is by means of a threaded nipple 830 connected to hole 824. It is used to supply pressurized gas to the borehole 824 under the control of a seated on the rear side 833 of the removal head 802 Flow control valve 832. In the lower end position of the removal head 806, the elastic stopper 826 seals the respective test glass 33 at the top, see above that its contents can be acted upon with pressurized gas supplied via the bore 824. When the valve 485 is subsequently opened, presses on the other side of the flow cell the pressure prevailing in the test tube transfers the sample to the sampling tube 316 and via the flexible line 466 to the flow cell 479.

After a predetermined amount of the sample has been taken, the Pressurized gas supply via the supply line 803 and the distributor block 807 to the inlet 8o2 interrupted, whereupon a (not shown) spring in the cylinder 800 the removal head 8o6 returns to the upper end position and the next sample batch into the removal position can advance.

after advancing the next test tube containing a sample batch 33 in the removal position 455 repeat the processes described. this continues until all samples are examined using the spectrometer are. For ejecting the used Trial glasses will be an in Direction of movement beyond the removal station 455 formed in the bottom of the holding channel 304 Trap door 507 open (Fig. Lo). After completing all examinations of a particular Art is a flush valve 508 connected to a pressurized water source as well as the Valve 485 beyond the flow cell opened. The then flowing in Water flushes the line 466 and the withdrawal tube 462 or 816 and the passages in the flow cell 478 and in the valve 485. To terminate the flushing the valve 508 then closed again.

Thus, the invention provides a device for handling and Preparation of samples from chemical reagents and physiological fluids proceed in a fast and for the supply of the same in quick succession an examination facility. Samples of the physiological fluids are made filled into a number of cups seated in a holding and transport device. A transfer device removes exactly one from predetermined cups measurable amount of the sample and converts it into a holding and in each case Transport device seated sample vessel.

At certain times, precisely measured quantities of an or several chemical reagents are introduced into the individual sample vessels. If necessary the temperature of the contents of the sample vessels can also be influenced. One a certain amount of the samples prepared in this way with great accuracy is then used for the optical examination, for example by means of a spectrophotometer or taken from a fluorometer.

Claims (43)

Patent claims: Device for preparing a number of physiological samples Liquids for the investigation of the same, characterized by a holding and Transport device (16) for transporting a series of physiological samples Liquids, by a holding and transport device (18) for a number of Containers (33) for sample approaches, through an in operative connection with the two holding and transfer means (24) arranged for transferring to transport means from parts of predetermined individual samples into individual containers for sample preparation in the holding and transport facility provided for this purpose and through delivery facilities (26 to 28) for optionally introducing at least one reagent into the containers their transport by means of the holding and transport device, for the production of Sample approaches. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that first the holding and transport device (18) for the sample batches has a removal device (29) for removing a certain amount of the sample containers (33) Contained sample approaches is arranged. 3. Vorrihtung according to claim 1, characterized in that that first of all a removal device for the transport device (18) for the sample batches (29,) for taking a certain amount of the in the individual sample containers (33) contained sample approaches is arranged, and that the transport device (16) for samples of physiological fluids a number of interconnected Holding devices tal26), each of which has a seat for receiving a Form to be transported sample container (30). 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the transport device (16) a control arrangement (108) for preselecting by means of the transfer device (24) has samples to be transferred. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the transport device (16) 'for samples a rotary drive (6a to 106) for bringing in the sample container (30) to the transfer device (24) in accordance with the means of the control arrangement (108j has selected area code. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotary drive a plurality of drive pins fixedly connected to the transport device (16) (106) and a worm drive (86) and drive devices (94 to 104) rarely has the screw, the screw for the rotary drive of the Transport device can be attacked one after the other on the pins. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that each one of the drive pins (106) of the plurality of which each have a sample container (30) is assigned. 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer device (24) a transfer arm Ú40), drive devices (180 to 208) for moving of the transfer arm in operative relation to a sample container (30) and removal devices (240 to 246) in the transfer arm for removing a certain amount of the in'dem Has the sample located in the container. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the drive devices (180 to 208) with an arrangement (210 to 214) for aligning the transfer arm (140) in operative connection with one of the containers (33) for sample approaches in the for it provided transport device (18) are connected and that the removal devices (240 to 246) with an arrangement (250) for introduction one exactly dosed amount of the sample amount taken in each in operative connection with the transfer arm located container are connected. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the removal devices a pressure supply device (242, 244) to supply pressure to the one in operative connection with the transfer arm (140) Sample container (30), a removal device which can be immersed in the sample in the sample container (240) and a valve arrangement (250) connected to the extraction device have, wherein the inflow of the Sample liquid into the extraction device under the action of the feed, clock device supplied pressure medium can be brought about. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the Device for pressure feeding one connected to the guide arm (140) and a seal (222) containing a pressure supply part (242) that drive means (150 to 178) to move the transfer arm back and forth in and out of sealing System of the seal on the sample container (30) are provided and that the sampling device (240) is inserted in the seal and it sticks out so that when the seal rests on the sample container in a sealed manner, it enters the contained therein Sample immersed. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the Pressure supply part (242) and the extraction device (240) through separately in the seal (222) arranged and each penetrated by a passage parts are formed. 13. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the Pressure supply part and the extraction device each through a hollow part (622 or 624) are formed and that the removal device is the cavity of the pressure supply part interspersed. 14. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the Pressure supply part (242) and the removal device (240) separated from each other by formed in the seal (222) arranged parts and each by a passage are penetrated and that the valve arrangement (250) has a first shut-off element (268), an actuating device connected to the first shut-off element in a movement-transmitting manner (280, 276), an inlet passage (272) and an outlet passage (288), of those of Inlet passage in flow communication with the passage the removal device is and by moving the shut-off member by means of the Actuating device can be moved in flow connection with the drainage passage is so that the physiological fluid under the action of the Druckzu-supply part the pressure applied to the sample container penetrate into the passage of the sampling device capable, and that the first shut-off member after the penetration of a predetermined amount the physiological fluid into the passage of the extraction device for interruption the flow connection between the inlet passage and the outlet passage by means of the actuating device is movable. 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the Valve assembly (250) a second shut-off member (270) and one on a second Pressure medium source connected inlet passage '(290), and that the second Shut-off element by means of an actuating device (282) for establishing a flow connection between the first inlet passage (272 ', 274) and the second inlet passage (290) via one for dispensing a predetermined amount of the physiological fluid movable out of the passage of the removal device (240) for a sufficient period of time is. 16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the valve arrangement (635) has a second inlet passage (682) and that the inlet passage and the drain passage (686) by means of the actuating device (636) one after the other are displaceable in flow communication with the first inlet passage (684). 17. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the Pressure supply part g22) and the extraction part (624) each through a passage interspersed parts are formed that the extraction part in the passage of the pressure supply part is arranged that the valve assembly (250) has a first shut-off member (268), a Actuating device connected to the first shut-off member in a motion-transmitting manner (280, 276), a withdrawal passage (272) and an outlet (288), of which the extraction passage is in flow connection with the passage of the extraction part and by moving the shut-off member in fluid communication with the actuator is displaceable with the outlet, so that the physiological fluid under the action the pressure supplied to the sample container via the pressure supply part into the passage, of the extraction part is able to penetrate, and that the first shut-off member after penetration a predetermined amount of the physiological fluid into the passage of the extraction part by means of the actuating device for interrupting the flow connection between the Removal passage and the outlet is movable. 18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the Valve arrangement (250> a second shut-off element (270) and one on a second Pressure medium source connected inlet (290) and that the second shut-off member by means of an actuating device (282) for establishing a flow connection between the withdrawal passage (272, 274) and the inlet (290) via one for dispensing a predetermined amount of the physiological fluid from the passage of the Removal part (624) can be moved for a sufficient period of time. 19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the Valve assembly (635) has an inlet i682 and that the inlet and an outlet (686) in flow connection one after the other by means of an actuating device (636) are displaceable with the removal passage (684). 20. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that on the Transfer arm (140) means (630, 622) for removing physiological Liquid 'from the out sen area of the removal part (624) available Are. 21. Device for preparing a series of sample batches physiological Liquids for "examination, characterized" by a holding and transport facility (16) for transporting a number of samples of physiological fluids a holding and transport device (18) for a number of containers (33) for samples, by one arranged in operative connection with the two holding and transport devices Transfer device (24) for transferring parts of predetermined individual samples in individual containers for samples in their holding and transport device, by one in operative connection with the holding and transport device for the sample batches arranged delivery device (26 to 28) for the optional delivery of at least one Reagent in the relevant container and through extraction devices for removal a certain amount of the sample batches from the individual containers. 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the Dispensing device at least one dispensing head (26, 27, 28) for introducing at least a reagent in the individual container (33) for sample approaches and one with it connected selector (384) for selecting and supplying the The reagent to be dispensed consists of a number of different reagents. 23. The device according to claim 22, characterized in that the Selector means (384) a number of each with a pressurized container (20) for reagent-connected valve assemblies (393, 395) contains 2-4-. contraption according to claim 22, characterized in that they have mixing devices - (360 to 374) for optional mixing of the contents of the container (33) for sample batches. 25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that the Mixing devices a motor (368) and a drive-connected to the motor Mixer part - (360) and that with the mixing device drive devices (358) are connected for its backward, forwardward and forward motion, by means of which the Mixer part with immersion in or pulling out of the contents of the container for sample batches can be introduced into or executed therefrom, with thorough mixing the content can be brought about by the rotating mixer part. 26. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that that the mixing device has a mixer part (716) through which a passage (718) passes, a pressurized gas source connected to the passage and drive devices (706) for moving the mixer part into and out of individual containers (33) for samples this out by immersing the mixer part with its passage in the contents the same. having, wherein by a gas flow through the content through a Mixing of the same can be brought about. iiii 27. Device for processing Samples of physiological fluids for examinations, characterized by a Holding and transport device for transporting a number of physiological samples Liquids, with a circular transport disc (16) in which a row of interrelated brackets each in the form of a seat (54) for receiving and the transport of a serum container (30) are formed by a holding and Transport device (18) for transporting a number of containers (33) for sample batches, by a sample transfer device arranged first of all for the two holding and transport devices (24) with a transfer arm which can be brought into operative connection with a respective serum container (140) for transferring a predetermined amount of each of the optionally determined amounts SezrurTI containers contained physiological fluids in each one of the containers for sample preparation, and through reagent dispensing devices (26 to 28) first of all the holding and transport devices for the sample batches Introducing predetermined reagents into the containers for reprocessing in large numbers of the sample batches. 28. Apparatus according to claim 27; characterized in that the Serum container (30) from which a sample of the physiological contained therein Liquid by means of the transfer device (24) into one of the containers for sample batches (33), is to be transferred, by means of a marking device that triggers actuation (108) can be selected. 29. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that first the holding and transport device (18) for sample batches has a removal device (29) with one for removing a certain amount of the contained therein Sample attachments in operative connection with the containers (33) removable extraction arm (458) arranged st, 30. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the Holding and transport device (18) for the sample approaches an arrangement (304, 440 to 454) for control an incubation temperature for the Has contents of the container (33) for sample approaches. 31. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the the sample transfer device (24) carrying the transfer arm (140) one on the transfer arm Seated seal (222), drive devices (148 to 178) for sealing systems the seal. to a sample container (224), a first passage (242) in the Seal for connecting the sample container to a pressure source for pressurization the sample contained in the container, a sampling part seated in the seal (240) with a second passage through it which is arranged so that the second passage with the sample container sealed by means of the seal with the serum sample contained therein is in flow connection, and devices (250) for connecting the second passage to an outlet order over a predetermined one Period of time, with which the entry of a predetermined amount of the serum sample can be brought about in the second passage. 32. Apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that the Drive devices (148 to 178) with an arrangement (180 to 234) for alignment of the upper guide arm (140) in operative relation to a container (33) for a Sample approach connected sin: d- and that the second passage by means of a designated Device (250) can be connected to a pressure source over a predetermined period of time is whereby the exit of a predetermined amount of serum from the second passage can be brought about in the container for the sample preparation. 33. Apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that the ' Removing residue in the second passage and on the extraction portion (624) Serum, rinse. devices (622, 630) are present, and that to catch the a collecting container removed from the second passage and the withdrawal part between the holding and transport devices (16 or 18) for samples and sample batches is provided. 34. Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the Reagent delivery devices with at least one delivery head (26, 27, 28) a passage (376, 380) for reagents therein; an array (384) of valves for the predeterminable selection of reagents to be dispensed and an arrangement of Dosing valves (43O) tin, predeterminable control of each during a dispensing process Has to be dispensed amount of a reagent. 35. Apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that initially of the holding and transport device (18) for sample batches, a mixing device (360 to 374) for mixing the respective contents of the containers (33) for sample batches is arranged. 36. Apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the the removal device (29) carrying the removal arm (458) is one on the removal arm seated sealing system (460), drive devices (472 to 477) for sealing Applying the sealing arrangement to a container (33) for a sample preparation, a first passage (464) in the sealing arrangement for connecting the container with a pressure source for pressurizing the container contents, one of a second Passage-penetrated removal part (462), which in such a way in the sealing arrangement is used that the second passage in the sealing system of the sealing arrangement on the container is in fluid communication with its contents, and means (466, 485) for connecting the second passage to a withdrawal container (479) has, by means of which the inflow of a predetermined amount of the content of the Container (33) can be brought about for sample batches in the sampling container. 37. Apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that the Withdrawal container designed as a flow cell (479) for a spectrophotometer (283) is. 38. Method for preparing a sequence of sample sets physiologically Liquids for investigation, characterized in that a series of samples the physiological fluids are transported in a transport facility, that individual samples to be examined from the sequence of. Rehearse. to be selected, that predetermined amounts of the selected serum samples one after the other Transport device for samples are transferred that the on the transport device for sample batches transferred sample batches at predetermined times Amounts of predetermined reagents are added and that in each case predetermined amounts of the sample batches for the investigation are taken. 39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that the sample approaches prior to removal at least one incubation at a predetermined temperature and go through for a predetermined period of time. 40. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that that the samples of the physiological fluids for the stroke he is pressurized and for a predetermined period of time via a passage in an extraction part connected to the free environment, the predetermined amount of the respective Sample flows into the extraction part. 41. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that for the Dispensing of the reagents the reagents to be dispensed are selected and with pressure are acted upon and that a passage in a delivery part via a certain Time associated with the respective pressurized reagents, so that the selected reagents are dispensed. 42. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that the transferring of the samples is carried out after the reagents have been dispensed. 43. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that the transferring the samples' takes place after incubation.