GB1321754A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

1321754 Automatic analysis L'AUTOMATION CHIMIQUE & NUCLEAIRE and COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE 10 Aug 1971 [14 Aug 1970] 37547/71 Heading B1X [Also in Division B8] Automatic analysis apparatus for performing a series of analyses on a single sample comprises means for displacing successive series of test tubes 4 along parallel paths 6, (one tube of a series being intended for example to be analysed and the other tubes of that series being reaction tubes intended to receive sample and reagent), means 10 for taking predetermined volumes of a sample from one tube of each series and transferring each sample volume into a respective other (reaction) tube of that series, means 11 for injecting into each reaction tube a predetermined volume of at least one reagent and means 12 for taking from each reaction tube a dose of its contents and analysing it in means 13, all means specified above being controlled by a pre-established programme, and means being provided for detecting the presence of a reaction tube on each of the paths followed by reaction tubes and for automatically preventing the operations of sample transfer and reagent injection when no reaction tube is detected in a path. The means for detecting the presence of a test tube may comprise for each path a pair of rods 49 each having a flexible element 50, the passage of a tube between elements 50 operating to close a microswitch and permit operation of the sample transfer or reagent injection means. The tubes may be supported for transport along lines 6 in holes in supports 3, the bases of the tubes being guided by stationary rails (21) and movable rails (22) to allow the tubes to be lowered into an incubator zone of adjustable length if required (Figs. 3, 6, not shown). There is a reference to inclusion in the analysis apparatus of units for dialysis and for precipitation of solid matter.