JPS5845888B2 - Chemical reaction monitoring method and apparatus - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for repeatedly monitoring the absorption of electromagnetic waves by a plurality of test objects during a certain period of time.

In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus that allows each of a plurality of samples to be reduced into a plurality of aliquots and to chemically react these with various reagents.

The electromagnetic absorption of each aliquot is measured repeatedly during the predetermined reaction time.

The loading of samples, the preparation of aliquots of these samples, the selective addition of reagents and the measurement of their electromagnetic absorption can be carried out in a continuous mode of operation as well as in designated and batch modes of operation.

Here, "partial sample" means a portion of a sample.

The apparatus described below is suitable for measuring the initial reaction rate and the reaction end point, which are effective for enzyme analysis.

Many chemical reactions take from several seconds to several tens of minutes to complete,
It is important to perform several measurements during the dynamic reaction time to monitor the progress of the reaction.

One method for this measurement involves measuring the absorption of electromagnetic waves at specific wavelengths using an analyzer.

Typically, enzyme reaction measurements are performed using batch processing methods and equipment that require extensive preparation and manipulation by laboratory technicians.

This method and apparatus has a relatively low throughput and is not helpful to the laboratory technician.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that alleviates various limitations in the prior art, improves measurement accuracy, and allows a wide variety of tests to be performed, and is particularly suitable for monitoring various dynamic reactions. .

That is, a photometric device comprising a plurality of photometric detectors operates in a continuous mode such that the circle continuously scans a row of sample support members indexed and moved at a slow speed along a preferred path. We are trying to provide the equipment.

Here, the term "position indexing movement" means not only step-by-step movement but also continuous, ie, smooth movement.

In one example, a photometer device is provided with a plurality of opposing radiation sources and radiation detectors.

Although a variety of radiation sources and radiation detectors may be used, the following discussion assumes that they are light sources and photoresponsive detectors.

Each light source is aligned with an associated photodetector in a fixed orientation on the rotating shaft of the rotor supporting the photometer device.

That is, the alignment axis is made to coincide with the radial direction of the photometer rotor and also with the radial direction of the sample support member turntable arranged coaxially with this rotor.

The alignment axis intersects a row of sample support members arranged in a ring around the periphery of the turntable, and a gap is provided between the light source and the associated detector, and this gap is arranged outside the circle of the sample support member. to be able to pass through without mechanical obstruction.

In another example, a rotating light beam is provided at the center of the rotor of the photometer device, and the light source directs the light beam to a coaxial array of detectors spaced around the rotor.

A spatial region is provided in the radial optical element array of this photometer device, and these element arrays scan an annular portion arranged one centroid with the sample support member array supported on a turntable that rotates around the support axis of the single light source. Do it like this.

The sample support array passes through the spatial region of the optical array, and the alignment of the light source with the bubble detector never changes because the light source is fixed relative to the entire optical array.

During rotation of the rotor and photodetector, the photometer scans all sample supports, each sample support being scanned multiple times.

For example, if there are eight photodetectors, each sample support member is scanned eight times and eight absorbance measurements are obtained.

Of course, this also applies to examples using a plurality of light sources.

The sample support turntable is moved at a very low speed, for example a fraction of one revolution per minute, so that partial specimens can be loaded and removed continuously.

On the other hand, photometer rotors operate at relatively high speeds, e.g.
Rotate at about 00 to 1000 revolutions/minute.

Therefore, an extremely large amount of information can be collected in an extremely short period of time.

Furthermore, if the photometer detector is operated at various wavelengths using, for example, various filters in these optical element arrays, not only a large amount of information can be collected, but also various kinds of information can be obtained.

Preferably, the rotor is moved continuously and the turntable is moved intermittently, that is, stepped.

In this case, the device can be programmed with suitable electronic circuitry to perform absorbance measurements during pause periods when the sample support member is not moving.

This is better than programming the turntable to move continuously at a lower speed and scan the photometers over each rotating sample support member during a short period of time when the sample support members are aligned with each of the rotating photometers. It's easy.

However, the present invention also includes the latter configuration.

A light source is not required if the material comprising the sample to be measured with the device constitutes a luminescent, fluorescent or radioactive radiation source.

In such a case, the light source may be turned off or shielded.

Each photometer scans and detects the amount of light transmitted through each test object or aliquot in the sample support member, and converts it into a digital signal proportional to the absorbance by an electric circuit including an A/D converter.

The A/D converter of each photodetector is mounted on the rotor adjacent to the photodetector to facilitate the transmission of information from the moving rotor to the stationary part of the device and to simplify the connection.

The digital values from the photometer rotor are transmitted by a suitable device that couples its rotating part with the stationary part of the device.

One example uses light emitting diodes and the other row uses slip rings.

These digital signals are transmitted to a fixed receiver and provided to suitable storage or processing equipment.

For example, these signals may first be provided to a console that receives routine information from a main control unit that controls the operation and programming of the entire device.

The apparatus of the present invention is configured to generate reaction end point information as well as information regarding reaction initial velocity dust.

An important advantage of the present invention is that the positional relationship between the light source and the photodetector is always geometrically constant and cannot change during rotation of the mouth. .

Further, since the sample support member turntable is arranged coaxially, slight eccentricity that occurs during rotation does not substantially affect the measurement.

Accordingly, a first feature of the present invention is to provide a radiant energy beam path that traverses and passes through several sample support members each holding a sample such as a liquid whose chemical state is to be monitored. a photometer device comprising a detector for generating separate electrical signals related to chemical conditions occurring within another sample support member; a device for generating data in response to the electrical signals; and means for moving a photometer device relative to a reference position to monitor chemical reactions within a plurality of sample support members, the photometer device being moved such that its beam path follows a first repeating pattern. and move the sample support member so that the sample support members follow the second repeating pattern, so that there is a portion between the first repeating pattern and the second repeating pattern where both patterns coincide with each other. setting a specific geometrical relationship such that the photometer device scans the sample support member located at the coincidence portion as it moves through the coincidence portion, generating an associated analog electrical signal from a photometer detector; The speed of movement of the device relative to the coincident portion is greater than the speed of movement of the specimen support relative to the coincident portion such that each sample support member passing through the coincident portion is scanned at least once by the beam path; The digital signal from the detector, which is converted into a digital signal and transferred, is coupled to the data generator.

A second feature of the present invention is to monitor chemical reactions occurring in a plurality of samples, such as liquids, held within each of a plurality of sample support members comprising walls that are permeable to at least some radiant energy. In the apparatus, a support device, a rotor rotatably mounted on the shaft of the outer support device, a turntable coaxially connected to the rotor and rotatable with respect to the support device, and a rotor mounted on the turntable coaxially with the shaft. a plurality of radiant energy transparent sample support members arranged in a ring, and the turntable is rotated about its axis according to a first rotation program to cause the sample support member to travel along an annular path while the turntable is rotating. a first drive device; and a second drive device that rotates the rotor about the axis according to a second rotation program such that the rotation speed of the rotor during a predetermined period is higher than the rotation speed of the turntable during the same period. at least one of the samples in any one of the plurality of sample support members mounted on the rotor and each passing through at least the annular passageway and running in the passageway;
a plurality of radiant energy beam paths across the section and in response to any radiant energy transmitted along each beam path as the sample support member traverses the beam paths;
a photometer device comprising: a device for generating an electrical signal related to a chemical state of a sample contained within the sample support; a device for processing the electrical signal supported by the rotor; and a device for processing the electrical signal; and a device for coupling substantially all of the processed electrical signals from the photometer device to the data generating device.

A third feature of the present invention is an apparatus for monitoring chemical reactions occurring in samples such as a plurality of liquids respectively held by a plurality of sample support members, which includes a support structure and a first plane on the support structure. a support for a sample support member having a plurality of sample support members arranged and attached and arranged in a ring around a central axis perpendicular to the first plane; and a support for the sample support member arranged in parallel with the support for the sample support member. a rotor rotatably mounted on the axis; and a photometer fixed to the rotor; the photometer includes a radiant energy source and a beam of radiant energy emitted from the radiant beam. a photoresponsive element for receiving the radiant energy, the radiant energy source and the photoresponsive element being arranged such that the beam is in the radial direction of the rotor, and one of the radiant energy source or the photoresponsive element being positioned on the sample support member. one is arranged inside an annular row, the other is arranged outside the annular row, and the beam is arranged to draw a disc-shaped trajectory by rotation of the rotor, and the annular row of the sample support member and the trajectory of the beam are The disc-shaped trajectory of the beam intersects at the level of the sample support member due to the perpendicular relationship and is scanned so that the beam traverses the sample held by the sample support member and is rotated to drive the rotor. When rotating the sample support member row more than once, the beam scans all sample support members sequentially at least once during each revolution of the rotor;
When the rotation of the rotor is less than one rotation with respect to the row of sample supporting members, a driving device is provided so that the beam sequentially scans all the sample supporting members fewer times than that, and the photoresponsive element is responsive to the beam to generate an analog signal related to a light effect produced by the sample support member or, if desired, a sample held thereon, and a data generation device for generating data from the light effect; The device is associated with the support structure to prevent rotation and to be responsive to digital information, and is supported by the rotor and connected to the photoresponsive element to convert analog signals generated by the device into digital information. a coupling device comprising a fixed part supported by the support structure and a rotating part fixed to the rotor, connecting the rotating part to the analog-to-digital converter; and receive its output.
The point is that the fixed part is connected to a data generator.

The invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.

As shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 and 5, the apparatus of the present invention may be comprised of a control console 10 and a chemical processing section 12. As shown diagrammatically in FIGS.

Information regarding the various chemical tests to be performed on the samples and aliquots of each sample can be provided by a data card provided in the receiver 16 of the keyboard 14 and/or a suitable data input device 18.

The input information is then provided to the main control unit 20.

This control unit has various functions, only some of which will be described, but a person skilled in the art will be able to understand the overall control of this unit.

The first function of the main control unit 20 is that it can supply input information to the reading unit 22 .

The reading unit may be provided with a visual indicator 24 and a printer of tape 26 so that the operator can verify that the input information has been entered correctly.

The main control unit 20 can store a list of instructions belonging to each chemical test that the device can perform.

Thus, when the input information associates a particular sample with a particular set of tests, and the instrument requires diluents and reagents, all the operator has to do is place the sample in the appropriate position in the sample holder 28 of the sample disk 30. It only needs to be placed within one.

At this time, the main control unit 20 can control the transfer of the partial specimens into the sample supporting members 32 arranged in a ring on a turntable which is a part of the data generating section 34 .

This transfer may be accomplished by an aliquot and diluent transfer mechanism 36, which associates each required chemical test with each identified sample support member 32 for the sample in question.

Once several aliquots have been dispensed, the array of sample supports is indexed and moved one step for each sample support and associated aliquot.

Although the expressions "step" and "position indexing movement" are used here, this is not limited to discontinuous movement, and the sample support member can also be moved slowly and continuously.

Reagent supply 38 has separate reagent containers 40 within reagent disks 42 .

First and second reagent distributors 44 and 46 apply appropriate reagents into a particular sample support member as the sample support member 32 advances along the travel path of the annular array.

The dispensing point of the first reagent distributor 44 for the sample support member passage is several steps earlier than the dispensing point of the second distributor 46 such that the first reagent reacts with the aliquot during a known time interval corresponding to this interval. , allowing the reaction to terminate before the second reagent is supplied.

Some chemical tests may require addition of reagents from only one distributor.

Aliquot and diluent transfer mechanism 36 and reagent distributor 44
and 46 may be of the type that precisely swings between the sample holder 28 or reagent container 40 and the sample support member 32.

The probes of these distributors can be lowered into the containers 28, 32 and 40 when removing and dispensing samples or reagents, and the distributors must be raised when rocking them. so that they can rotate freely within the arcuate path.

An interval is provided between the position for dispensing the aliquot sample and the position for dispensing the first reagent along the path of the sample support member 32, and a time interval is provided between the dispensing time of the aliquot sample and the dispensing time of the first sample. and the transparency of the partial sample including the wall of the sample support member can be measured.

A cleaning station having a probe mechanism for removing a tested aliquot from each sample support member 32 just before it is placed again under the aliquot distributor 36 and for allowing the sample support member to receive a new aliquot. Provide 4B.

Data generator 34 includes a plurality of photometers including a light source, such as a lamp 50, arranged radially around a rotor 56 and a photodetector 52, which may be a photocell, photomultiplier tube, or the like.

Each detector 52 may have an individually unique light source 50, as shown in the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, or one common light source, such as a lamp 50, as in the example of FIG. The light source may have a light source of

(Identical or equivalent elements on both sides are denoted by the same reference numerals.

) In the first example, the individual nips are provided outside the passage through which the annular array of sample support members passes, while in the second example a single lamp 50 is provided on the axis of the rotor 56.

The entire photomake is supported by rotors 56 on both sides.

The maximum length of the optical path 54 is approximately the radius of the rotor 56, and typically is a small fraction of the rotor radius in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, for example.

This makes the optical path only a few centimeters long and the optical system extremely simple.

Although the advantages of the present invention are obtained primarily when a plurality of photometers are provided on the rotor 56, there are also some advantages when only one photometer is used; It shall include two concepts.

With a single photometer, compared to a rotor with eight photometers, the speed at which data can be collected is simpler than with a multi-photometer device, given the same number of sample support members in the turntable and the rotational speed of the rotor. It is clear that the value is lower in the case of one photometer.

A single photometer device can increase its data generation rate by increasing its rotational speed.

The data processing, storage, etc. capacity of a data processing device is determined by the amount of data generated.

Similarly, the complexity of a data processing device is related to the type of data generated.

All these factors are related to the number of photometers, the speed of the rotor, the wavelength used for measurement and the selection of Kaga reactions that can be processed by the device.

For comparison, the diameter of the rotor 56 measured below the lamp 50 position in FIG. 3 is approximately 3 mm.
0 cm-1, and in the example of Figures 2 and 3 the lamp 5
The total optical path length from 0 to photodetector 52 is about 2 centimeters or less, and in the example of FIG. 4, about 8 centimeters or less.

The annular array of sample support members 32 supported on the disk or turntable 14 is connected to an axis 58 which is also the axis of rotation of the rotor 56.
Rotate around.

Therefore, the sample support member row and the photometer are arranged concentrically.

The mounting device and drive device for the rotor 56 and turntable γ4 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, but the operation timing and positional relationship will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.

As mentioned above, the rotor 56 of FIGS. 2-4 is assumed to have a diameter of approximately 30 centimeters;
This figure is shown reduced to approximately half.

FIG. 1 is shown to a scale of approximately one-fifth.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the example dimensions described above, but can be broadly applied to devices of various shapes and dimensions.

As is clear from the foregoing, during one revolution of the turntable 74, any given sample support member 32 receives an aliquot, and the aliquot undergoes fluid treatment, chemical reactions, and measurements;
It is then prepared to receive a new aliquot and the next cycle is repeated.

Although the passageway of the sample support member 32 is circular as described above, this may be changed in variations of the invention.

The turntable 74 is indexed and moved relatively slowly, with a rotational speed of about 5 to 20 revolutions/hour, and the stop time is longer than the movement time.

This speed is considerably lower than the rotational speed of the rotor 56 containing the photometer (which typically rotates at a speed of several hundred revolutions and seven minutes).

Thus, one can program a number of measurements to be taken during each stop period, and during this stop period the rotor is rotated a number of times, and all photometers measure the rotational distance □ corresponding to this number of revolutions on all samples. It is also possible to carry out the process on the support member.

The number of revolutions of the rotor 56 per one stop period must be at least once.

In this way, the reaction of any particular sample support member is measured many times at intervals during one rotation of the sample support member, that is, one rotation of the turntable γ4, and is recorded and/or stored for data processing. be able to.

The processing mode and reaction end point determinations described above can be easily performed not only for one subsample of the sample support member but also for a plurality of successive subspecimens during this period.

When 120 sample supporting members 32 are provided on the turntable 14 and the turntable 14 advances every 6 seconds,
The turntable 14 rotates once every 12 minutes with respect to the supporting outer casing of the data generating section 34.

When the rotor 56 and its eight photomakes rotate around the shaft 58 at a speed of 1 revolution per 6 seconds, the rotation speed is 10 revolutions/minute, that is, for one revolution of the turntable γ4, the rotation of the rotor 56 is It becomes 120 rotations.

Assuming that measurements are carried out all the time, each sample support member 32 of the sample support member row of the turntable 14 is moved 960 times during one rotation of the turntable to a point to which, for example, a partial sample is supplied to the support outer box of the data generation section. The photometry is scanned twice.

If the speed of the rotor 56 is doubled, the number of measurements for each sample support member increases to 1920, but since this is for one sample support member and its subsample, it is performed during one revolution of the turntable. The total number of measurements taken is the rotor 56.
is about 1 sooo at the above-mentioned low speed, and about 36000 at double speed.

One position through which the sample support member 32 passes is used to clean the sample support member, another position is used to inject an aliquot and carry it to a reagent addition position, and another position is used to perform agitation. The total number of sample support member positions along the circular path that are measured or monitored will be less than the total number of sample support members.

Therefore, the total number of measurements mentioned above is reduced by an amount corresponding to the positions required for the processing mentioned above.

If necessary, monitor continuously at all positions.
It is possible to discard non-heavy read data by leaving it to the data processing control device.

The reading data during the cleaning period can be equated to blank information, and some information can also be obtained from the unreacted aliquots before addition of the reagents.

For the purposes of the following description, it is assumed that the rotor 56 rotates at 10 revolutions per minute, that the turntable 14 has 120 sample support members and advances every 6 seconds at a rate of 1 revolution per 12 minutes, and It is assumed that the several locations along the path in the sample support member where the various treatments are performed are not associated with photometric monitors, and that 800 separate photometric measurements are taken for each aliquot.

As many as 800 reaction measurement points (each measurement taken at 3/4 second intervals for 10 minutes) can be avoided;
And because certain chemical tests can be better monitored at specific wavelengths, each photometer can be equipped with a specific filter so that each photometer generates a unique wavelength of radiation for measurement. can.

Assuming that each filter 60 is different and that the most valuable information from a particular subsample within a particular sample support member is obtained from only one of the eight photometers, a measurement is taken every 6 seconds. 100 measurements of the reaction of the aliquot can be obtained from one such photometer during a 10 minute cycle.

If the reaction needs to be monitored multiple times every 6 seconds, two or more photometers can be configured to operate at the same wavelength.

The photometers shown in the figure are arranged at equal intervals around the rotor 56, and these photometers are arranged in groups.
It is also possible to arrange them at irregular intervals.

For dichromate titrations it is preferred to use a photometer pair placed in close proximity.

As is known, several reactions can be monitored at the same wavelength if the reagents are chosen appropriately.

Therefore, by making the device capable of selecting several types of wavelengths and appropriate reagents, many types of reagents can be processed by the device.

That is, since all sample supports are operated by individual photometers, by using different photometers that monitor at different wavelengths, one or more photometers can detect one or more types of reactions in the aliquot itself as well as within the sample support. Can be monitored by wavelength.

In the example above, the time interval between monitors at different wavelengths is 3/
It becomes 4.

Of course, this will vary depending on the configuration and conditions.

It is not necessary for each aliquot to be monitored at every wavelength, nor is it necessary to subject each sample to aliquots for every test that can be performed by the apparatus.

The input device 18 and main control unit 20 are controlled and programmed to execute only necessary tests using data to the input device 18 and the main control unit 20, and perform necessary tests using only the necessary sample support members. The sample throughput of the apparatus can be maximized by reducing the total volume and maximizing the photometric position of the sample support member.

The apparatus can avoid requiring a fixed set of tests for each sample if some of the tests in the set are not required for each sample, and as is known in the art. , an empty sample support representing a 'jump' test may not be located within the row of sample supports on the turntable.

This and other sample processing control functions by the main control unit are performed by a function control bus 62 shown in FIG.

It should be emphasized here that the device of the invention is flexible and can be used for many tests without sacrificing economy and throughput.

As mentioned above, each subsample need not be monitored at all wavelengths.

In addition, each sample does not need to be aliquoted for all tests that the device can perform.

Make your exam selections. Loss of analysis volume, waste of aliquots or reagents, unnecessary test runs and skipping of any sample support members can be avoided.

Therefore, the versatility of the device does not affect the throughput of the device.

Next, details of an example of the data generation section 34 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown, each light source 50 and its associated detector 52 are placed relatively close together in a straight line and fixed to the rotor 56 with a fixed length short section extending radially from axis 5B between them. A transparent optical path 54 is configured.

The rotor 56 is arranged to rotate on the shaft 5B, and is provided with a rotating sleeve 64, which is supported on a bearing 66 mounted on the outer casing members 68 and 10.

A suitable drive γ2 may be coupled to sleeve 64 to provide rotary motion to rotor 56 and its photometers (two of which are shown in FIG. 3).

The photometer elements and the optical path 54 therebetween are thus maintained in a constant orientation relative to each other and radially relative to the axis 58.

When the rotor 56 is supported in this way, the axis 5B of the optical path 54
The distance between the rotor 56 and the rotor 56 is precise, and this distance is maintained substantially constant during rotation of the rotor 56.

Bearing 66 may be of any suitable conventional design and construction.

The criteria for such bearings are precision, smoothness, and reliability.
Additionally, the weight of the rotor 56 and photometer must be taken into account to provide the necessary thrust support.

The selection of bearings 66 must also take into account radial support requirements that take into account the weight of rotor 56 and the forces generated during its rotation.

With the arrangement described above, judicious selection of high quality bearings 66 provides precise tracking of the photometer during rotation of rotor 56, allowing precise and repeatable photometry during operation of the device.

Even though various measures are taken to eliminate eccentricity during rotation and maintain precise tracking, some eccentricity will occur during rotation, but in the present invention such eccentricity does not adversely affect accuracy.

The circularly arranged sample support members 32 are supported on the turntable γ4 as described above.

These sample supporting members can be detachably attached.

It is also possible to form a turntable with a permanently attached sample support member 32 by Mornold molding or the like.

The turntable 74 has an axis 58 that is the same as the axis of the rotor 56.
The turntable 14 is rotatably supported on the rotor 5.
6 so that the inlet of the sample support member 32 can be accessed from above.

The sample support member 32 extends downwardly from the generally disc-shaped or flat body of the turntable into a circular annular passage.
The rotating sample support member of the turntable 14 runs in this path.

This annular passage traverses the entire optical path 54 of the photometer mounted on the rotor 56.

The optical paths 54 of these photometers are arranged radially around the rotor 56, and are extremely short optical paths 54 in the examples of FIGS.
In case 4, the space between the filter 60 and the lamp 50 forms an annular passage for the sample support member 32.

The photometer 5 (152) can be attached to the upper surface of the rotor 56 using a clamp, a bracket, etc. by an appropriate method, and can be precisely molded to accommodate the photometer within the thickness of the rotor. It can also be installed inside the disc.

In such a case, a groove or a recess is annularly provided on the upper surface of the rotor 56 to receive the row of sample support members so that the sample support member can freely rotate within the groove.

In this case, the light path can be arranged in such a way that it passes radially through the groove and through the specimen support with the part specimen to be measured.

It is evident that the sample support member is made of some kind of transparent material and its walls are oriented so as not to refract or scatter the light beam passing through it.

The turntable γ4 for the sample support member is provided with a bub having a collar 16, and is supported rotatably by a bearing 18 placed between the collar 76 and the sleeve 64. The turntable can be rotated independently of the rotation of photometers 50-52.

Rotation of turntable γ4 in the stepped mode is not shown in FIG. 3, but is shown in FIG. 4, and can be accomplished by any conventional means.

The turntable γ4 and the photometer rotor 56 are connected to the shaft 58
The collar γ6 of the turntable 14 rotates within the sleeve 64 of the rotor 56, so that the path of the sample support member and the scanning area of the photometers are concentrically arranged, and the sample support member is placed in the short optical path of each photometer. can be traversed with high positional accuracy and precise photometric measurements can be made without the need for complex light guiding structures as conventionally used.

To encourage smooth continuous rotational movement of the photometer rotor 56, the rotor 56 can be designed to be peripherally heavy to provide a flywheel effect.

On the other hand, the sample supporting member turntable 14 needs to be relatively lightweight if a stop period is provided between each step.

FIG. 4 mainly shows modifications of the photometers 50-52.

These modified portions and other differences between FIGS. 3 and 4 will be explained with reference to FIG. 5 after the operation of the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is explained.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the electrical output from the photodetector 52 is gamma-analog-digital converted and supplied to an electrical element that transmits data from the data generator 34 to the control console 10 (FIG. 1). .

These electrical elements are attached to the rotor 56 and its sleeve 64 through circuit elements, circuit boards and connectors, such as those shown at 80 and 82, to enable them to rotate together with their associated photometers, thereby providing circuitry. It is preferable that there is no need to provide slip rings, commutators, etc. at the connection points between them, or that there is no need to provide complicated wiring.

The transmission of a large number of individual electrical measurements in the form of analog values from a plurality of continuously moving photodetectors 52 presents various mechanical and electrical problems.

The need for high throughput of precise data from many photometers for various chemical tests being performed on a large number of aliquots cannot be practically satisfied by conventional techniques.

The arrangement of FIG. 5 is efficient, flexible, and provides simple and precise data transmission.

At the upper left of FIG. 5 is one unit of a photomake assembly (hereinafter referred to as a photomake module) mounted on the rotor 56.
The light beam from the light source 50 passes through the wall of one sample support member 32, passes through the filter 60, and then reaches the detector 5.
It hits the photosensitive surface of 2.

The detector can be a silicon diode, a photomultiplier tube, a vacuum photodiode, or other photoresponsive device.

The scanning time of the photometer past the stationary sample support member 32 is several milliseconds, and this time period makes the necessary analog measurements of the light incident on the detector 52.

This is sufficient to perform the final calculation of absorbance.

Detector 52 is responsive to the amount of light transmitted through the aliquot in sample support member 32 and the wall of the sample support member, and generates an electrical signal proportional to the amount of light.

An integrator 86 is connected to the detector 52 and converts the generated signal into an output voltage signal proportional to the transmission of the subsample.

A logarithmic analog-to-digital converter 88 is connected to the output terminal of the integrator and produces on its output lead 90 a digital signal that is a function of the absorbance of the aliquot.

To simplify the drawing, 8 photomake modules 8
Only one of the four modules is shown, and only the output conductor 90 of the photometer is shown for the other modules.

The digital multiplexer 92 is used to connect all the photomake assemblies 56 so that at one instantaneous position of the continuously moving photomake assembly 56, each of the eight detectors 52 receives light that has passed through the samples in eight different sample support members 32. Output lead wire 9
Connect to 0.

Multiplexer 92 is controlled via control leads 96 by data splitting unit 94 to connect each logarithmic A/D converter 88.
are separately transferred to data control unit 94 via data conductors 98.

Such data can be processed in the form of binary bits, 1
The absorbance from one sample support member 32 can be represented by two binary words.

Correlation of each absorbance data with the identification label of its aliquot or sample support member can be performed in the data control unit.

With such an identification label attached, this is sent to the data control unit 94.
The equipment for supplying this is not shown.

Once the data word has been transferred to the data control unit 94, the data control unit generates a reset command on lead 100 and supplies it to the associated logarithmic A/D converter 88 so that the converter is activated by the associated photomake module 84. A next analog signal can be received from the next sample support member to be scanned.

The name separator 86 causes the A/D converter to be reset by the A/D converter when it provides the digital word to the multiplexer.

102 is a reset conductor for this glue set command,
Typically, a reset command is transmitted before the A/D converter is set by the data control unit 94.

In order to prevent the integrator 86 from including the light beam passing through one sample support member 32 from an adjacent sample support member 32, the integrator 86 is connected to the loaf drive T2 by an integration start command lead 104. It can be triggered and actuated in response to one of a variety of conditions, such as the timing relationship or the position of the sample support member 32 relative to the optical path 54 or the shape of the output signal waveform from the detector 52.

Depending on the knowledge of the data control unit 94 and the capacity of its memory, the data input/output processing method can be changed as required.

For example, a simple data control unit can be used to supply digital words to the data control unit, which are then transmitted to the main control unit 20 where they are processed and received by the reading unit 22.

The main control unit may have data and correlation storage capacity as well as functional control, command and command information as described above.

On the other hand, if the data control unit has sufficient storage capacity, at least all the data words, such as 960, obtained during one or more rotations of the rotor 56 can be stored here.

Each photodetector 52 operates at a different wavelength, and a particular sample support member 32 needs to be monitored only with the photodetector 52 that operates at the optimal wavelength for measuring a particular reaction within that sample support member. In this case, only 120 of the 960 data words (in the example described above) received by the Maruna pressa 92 during one cycle or revolution of the photometer rotor 56 are transmitted to the main control unit 20. Needed.

The determination of which data words to use for data processing is made by input information that associates a particular sample with a particular test.

In this case, the main control unit 20 assigns each particular sample support member to a particular sample and test, and therefore a particular photometer, and identifies the take word obtained from the sample support member during each revolution of the rotor 56. The data words from the same sample support member 32 obtained by each successive revolution (120 revolutions in the preferred embodiment) are correlated.

Depending on the desired amount of communication between the data control unit 94 and the main control unit 20, the capacity of their memory, the operating speed of the equipment, etc. (these are related to cost, throughput, etc.) can be designed to transmit the words to the main control unit and select the required 12,000 data words, and both control units 20 and 94
from the data control unit to the main control unit.
You can contact us to send only 1,000 takewords.

The above design is sensitive to the timing of the transmission of data words from the data control unit to the main control unit.

There is a finite period of non-use between each sample support member scan, i.e., before the rotor 56 moves into alignment with the next eight sample support members, and at the end of each rotation, i.e., the sample support member row. There may also be a finite non-use time when the step advances by one step.

As mentioned above, the device can operate in a continuous mode, so that unlike a batch mode of operation, the previous rotation and the next rotation can be continued without interruption.

Data can therefore also be transmitted in continuous mode and supplied to the processing unit without being stored until some time later.

This continuous transmission of data from the data generator 34 to the control console 10 can take place primarily by the main control unit 20, as described above, rather than by the data control unit 94.

The invention is not subject to any limitations with respect to the above-mentioned non-use times, ie the time between scans of the sample support member or the stepping time at the end of a rotation.

The scale of the photometer can be easily set by measuring the dark current of the sample support member scanning amount.

The read data can be easily identified in the control unit and processed and programmed as desired.

Although continuous modes of operation have various known advantages over batch modes of operation, batch processing may be preferred.

The apparatus of the present invention can also be used for batch processing.

For example, the upper body of the sample support member turntable 74 may be a removable disc that can be replaced with a similar disc having a sample support member filled with partial specimens and reagents, with each replacement disc being a batch. I can do it.

If the batch consists of only a few aliquots, the sample support disc can be divided into segments so that one segment of the disc can be replaced with a prepared sample support segment.

Likewise, designated or urgently required tests can be "inserted" into the device.

Such a structure consists of a turntable as shown at 74 and a thin plastic plate (which can be vacuum molded from a synthetic resin sheet) with a sample support recess that can be clamped or snapped onto the top surface of the turntable.

The operation of the device in this example requires that the replaceable disc be properly positioned for sample identification and that the device be started and stopped so that the used disc can be removed and replaced with a new disc. The ground pair is no different from the above case.

In the normal mode of operation, the disk or turntable need not be rotated, and its sample support member is scanned by a plurality of photometers during rotation of rotor 56.

In order to enable the apparatus to be switched between continuous mode and batch mode, it is effective to advance the disc or turntable γ4 in stages.

Making the sample support disk on the turntable 74 replaceable is advantageous if an emergency test is required and this test must not be combined with routine tests.

Using the step advance in combination with the exchangeability of the sample support disk in batch mode, it is also possible to insert different sets of filters into the optical path by means of the step advance.

If the rotor has multiple photometers in a batch mode device, these photometers can use individual lamps 50 for each photodetector, and one central light source for all photodetectors. be able to.

One variant of the invention includes a fixed or stepped turntable with a sample support and a rotor with a photometer, the rotor further directing the light beam from the photometer before it passes through the sample support. A vertically arranged filter wheel is provided to block the filter.

In this example, the rotor is momentarily stopped at the position of each sample support member, and the filter ring is automatically rotated to perform several measurements at various wavelengths, and the measured values are transferred to an appropriate controller. It is configured to identify and supply the correct address of the storage or recording device via the data control device.

In this way, the effect of multiple photometers can be achieved with one photometer.

Rotation of rotor 56 is not limited to movement in one direction.

The rotor 56 can also be vibrated by rotating in one direction and then rotating in the opposite direction.

Next, the data flow and control of the two types will be explained with reference to FIG.

The first type requires two-way communication between control units 20 and 94, and the second type requires one-way communication.

The latter type is simpler than the former, but requires a greater degree of knowledge and a larger storage capacity with the main control unit.

Two-way communication between the main control unit and the data control unit includes a pair of communication logic units 106 and 108, a pair of transmit elements 110 and 112 and a pair of receive elements 114.
and 116.

Elements 106, 110 and 114 are housed within the rotating portion of data generator 34.

Corresponding elements 108, 112 and 116 are located within the control console 10 and/or within the stationary part of the device 34.

Control bus 118 and data bus 120 connect data control unit 94 to communications logic unit 106 .

Similarly, control and data buses 122 and 124 connect main control unit 20 with communications logic unit 108 .

Typical two-way control information for buses 118 and 122 is 1
one or more data words to be written to or read from one or the other or both of the memories in units 20 and 94 and associated logic unit 106
and 108 indicate that such data should be transmitted or received.

In the above example, since there is a two-way communication path between the data control unit in the reaction table and the main control unit in the control console, the control and take buses 118-124 are separated by two lines as shown by the arrows in FIG. It's a direction.

Communication logic units 106 and 108 also have two-way communication capabilities.

Two-way data buses 120 and 124 carry each data word bit-parallel and serially, while receiving elements 114 and 1
The input from 16 and the output to transmitting elements 110 and 112 are bit serial.

Preferred examples of the transmitting device and the receiving device are a light emitting device and a photoresponsive device, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, respectively.

Although the example of FIG. 4 uses slip ring devices 110-116, other forms of transmitting and receiving devices, such as wireless types, are not limited to the preferred embodiments described above.

Optical communication, such as by photodiodes, is simple and suitable for processing serial binary bisotators, and is well known to those skilled in the art.

Also, when elements 110-116 can be placed in close proximity, light generation and reception communications are less susceptible to interference than wireless communications.

As shown in FIG. 3, a transmitting element 110 and a receiving element 11
4 can be housed in the sleeve 64 and rotated therewith in close proximity to the axis 58.

Associated elements 116 and 112 are stationary elements and are located proximate axis 58 and connected to logic unit 108 within control console 10 .

When arranged close to the axis 58 in this way, the transmitting element 110
Also, no error occurs in the transmission of binary bit data due to the rotation of the receiving element 114.

On the other hand, if the magnitude of the signal, rather than the presence or absence of the signal, represents the test data and control commands, then relative motion of the transmitting and receiving elements can generate transmission errors.

In order to use the storage capacity in the main control unit 20 economically, only desired data words can be stored in the data control unit 9.
It is necessary to transmit from 4.

To accomplish this, input information from the data input device 18 drives the main control unit to establish a list of subspecimens or their specimen supports for which data are required.

When a new sample is added to the sample disk 30, relevant input information is provided to the main control unit, which continuously updates its desired list after testing of old samples.

As each data word is received by the data control unit 94 from the multiplexer, each data word is checked against the desired data list and only those data words that are positively compared are transmitted to the main control unit.

This communication involves the data control unit, its logic unit and its buses 118 and 120 receiving a data word from the multiplexer, identifying the word, and causing the logic units 106 and 108 to transmit the identification information to the master control unit. There is a need.

1, the master control unit, its logic unit and buses 122 and 124 receive identification data, generate a comparison response, and cause the data word to be discarded by the data control unit or transmitted to the master control unit for storage. It is necessary to

Another example of data communication is to transmit all data words from the data control unit 94 to the main control unit 20, with the main control unit itself deciding which data words to store for final reading.

This communication requires data buses 120 and 124 to be transmitted only in the direction of the main control unit, and communication logic unit 1.
06 only needs to act as a transmitting unit, and the communication logic unit 108 only needs to act as a receiving unit, and the transmitting/receiving element pair of elements 112 and 114 is not required, so that the structure can be easily configured.

The difference between the example shown in FIG. 3 and the example shown in FIG. 4 will be explained.

First, regarding the photometer device, the light source 50 in the example of FIG.
is located on the axis 5B and consists of a single tungsten lamp rather than multiple lamps arranged around the periphery of the photometer rotor 56 as in the example of FIG.

Light source 50 of FIG. 4 is coupled to rotor 56 for rotation therewith.

A plurality of lens-containing optical tubes 126 are attached to the photometer rotor 56 in FIG. Align with a specific one.

Detector 52 is also mounted on rotor 56 in substantially the same manner as in the example of FIG.

The path or pattern scanned by the light beam reaching each detector will be virtually identical to the example of FIG.

One advantage of using a single light source 50 is that the heat it generates is easier to dissipate, thus making it easier to control the temperature of the sample support member 32.

In the example of FIG. 3, the individual lamps are placed close to the annular passage forming the sample support passage, so that the heat of these lamps is radiated or transferred to the material within the sample support.

IIJ2 Many of the reactions cannot tolerate temperature changes.

In practice, in many cases it is necessary to provide a device to maintain the sample support member at a constant temperature while the sample support member is being scanned, but the device shown in FIG. It can be made even more effective.

Another advantage of a single light source as shown in Figure 4 is that the intensity, color, and wavelength of the multiple measurement light beams can be made the same without differing as would be the case when multiple lamps are used. It is.

Since changes in the single light source lamp 50 affect all measured values equally, their effects can be ignored when relative measurements are made.

The lamp 50 can be very easily cooled with air circulating around the lamp 50 without cooling the sample support member.

Also, the power source for the single light source 50 becomes simple and economical.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the beam passing through optical path 54 passes through sample support member 32 and then through filter 60 (if not integrated within photodetector 52, located proximate to photodetector 52). (normally), and then enters the photodetector 52.

In the structure shown in FIG. 4, the light beam can be focused into a very thin core and pass through the lower part of the sample support member, but a beam splitter can also be placed inside or outside the focusing tube to move the light beam through the sample support member. It is also possible to generate two beams passing in parallel through different levels to inspect different layers of the sample.

Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 4a.

In FIG. 4a, elements corresponding to those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4 with a prime added.

The rotor 56' has a focusing tube 126' that directs the beam 54' from the light source 50 (not shown in FIG. 4a) to a semi-silver plated mirror or a mirror placed at a 45° angle over the entire surface of the tube 126'. Aim at the Guicroic Mirror 150.

A portion of the beam passes through mirror 150 and forms the bottom beam 54.
'b, and the remaining portion is reflected upward at 900 and then by the 45° mirror 152 to form the upper beam 54'u.

These beams pass through different levels of liquid 154 within sample support member 32' held on turntable 74'.

The sample support member 32' is arranged to move within the arrangement path and within a groove 156 provided in the rotor 56.

The two photodetectors 52' and 52'' are connected to the mirror 15, respectively.
0 and 152 in a suitable cavity of the rotor 56 so that their sensitive surfaces are aligned with the beams 54'b, respectively.
and 54'u.

Each detector is provided with a filter 60' and 60'', respectively.

Apertures 158 and 160 direct the respective beams to photodetector 5.
2' and 52'' respectively.

As is clear from the above, the beam 54' emerging from the focusing tube 126' has a portion that passes through the lower part of the liquid 154 and a portion that passes through the lower part of the liquid 154.
It is divided into 54 parts passing through the upper layer.

The photodetectors 52' and 52'' generate mutually independent and different signals which are transmitted via suitable connections to a data processing device for information regarding the reactions taking place within the sample support member 32'. Additional information can be generated.

FIG. 4 shows a drive device for the sample support member turntable 74 (not shown in FIG. 3 due to space constraints).

The motor 128 has a drive shaft 130 coupled by a pinion gear 132 to a corresponding gear 134 on the circumferential surface of the turntable γ4.

If the movement of the sample support member needs to be stepped, the motor 128 can be a step motor, and a link mechanism, clutch mechanism, etc. can be provided to obtain an appropriate stepped movement from the continuous drive motor.

As briefly described above, the slip ring mechanism 110
~ 116 performs transmission and reception of the device, and the data generation section 3
4 and the main control unit 20, and other information can be sent and received.

From the above, it will be understood how the device of the invention with a moving photomake device operates, especially in continuous mode, and how the digital values of the absorbance measurements from the data generator 34 are located in the main control unit 20. There is a need to.

Reactions can be repeatedly monitored over long periods of time to provide reaction rate data and reaction end point data.

As soon as this raw data is entered into the main control unit, it can be associated with each test and provided to the reading unit 22 without the need for any data reduction, conversion or analysis.

In a preferred mode of operation, the master control unit associates data with each test, mathematically determines reaction rates and/or endpoints, converts that information into chemical value readings in the desired concentrator unit, and so on. shall have the ability to provide the results to the reading unit after the

Although various examples of the configuration and operation of the chemical reaction monitoring device of the present invention have been described above, various other modifications can be made.

For example, although in the preferred embodiment the photometer rotor is moved continuously, it could also be moved in stages.

In addition, the photometer devices are arranged at regular intervals around the periphery of the support in order to equalize the weight distribution of the support, but especially when the movement path is not circular, the photometer devices are arranged at variable intervals. Can be installed.

In some cases, it may be preferable to use a replaceable sample support member.

In this case, the cleaning station 48 is replaced by a device that removes the used sample support member and inserts a clean sample support member into the turntable γ4.

In some cases, it is not necessary to move the sample support member along the open path.

The reagents do not need to be liquid; dry reagents can also be supplied.

It is also possible to optionally use sample supports preloaded with reagents and then only need to add aliquots and diluent to these sample supports.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entirety of an example of the device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the sample support member turntable and photometer rotor showing an example of the photometer device, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of another example of the data generating section of the device of the present invention, FIG. 4a is a partial sectional view of a modification of the example of FIG. 4, and FIG. The figure is a block circuit diagram of an example of the digital optical absorption data generation and transmission section of the apparatus of the present invention. 10... Control console, 12... Chemical processing section, 14... Keyboard, 16...
...Data card receiver, 18...Data input device, 20...Main control unit, 22...
...Reading unit, 24...Visible display device, 2
6... Tape, 28... Sample holder,
30...Sample disk, 32.32'...
...Sample support member, 34...Data generation section, 3
6... partial specimen and diluent distribution mechanism, 38...
... Reagent supply section, 40 ... Reagent container,
42...Reagent disk, 44°46...
・Reagent distributor, 48...Cleaning station, 50...Light source, 52.52', 52"・
...Photodetector, 54, 54'...Optical path,
56, 56'... Rotor, 58... Axis, 60------ Filter, 62... Control bus bar, 64... Sleeve, 66 ...Bearing, 68,70...Outer casing stand member, 72...
...Drive device, 74,74'...Turntable, 16...Color 18...Bearing, 80.82...Circuit element, 84・・・
... Photomake module, 86 ... Integrator, 88 ... Logarithmic A/D converter, 92 ...
...Digital multiplexer, 94...Data control unit, 106, 108...Communication logic circuit, 110, 116, 114, 112...Coupling device, 128-134...・・・・Drive device, 150・
...beam splitter.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A radiant energy beam path that traverses and passes through all of a plurality of sample support members each holding a sample such as a liquid whose chemical state is to be monitored, and each separate sample support member. a photometer device comprising a detector for generating separate electrical signals related to chemical conditions occurring within the specimen; a device for generating data in response to the electrical signals; and a means for moving the photometer device relative to a reference position to monitor chemical reactions within a plurality of sample support members, the photometer device comprising:
moving the beam path so that it follows a first repeating pattern and moving the sample support member so that they follow a second repeating pattern, with both patterns being between the first repeating pattern and the second repeating pattern. Setting a specific geometrical relationship in which there are parts that match each other,
scanning a sample support member located at the coincident portion as the photometer device moves past the coincident portion and generating an associated analog electrical signal from a photometer detector;
The speed of movement of the photometer device relative to the coincident portion is greater than the speed of movement of the sample support member relative to the coincident portion such that each sample support member passing through the coincident portion is scanned at least once by the beam path; A method for monitoring a chemical reaction comprising converting the digital signal from the moving detector into a digital signal and coupling the digital signal from the moving detector to the data generating device. 2. The photometer device is moved around an axis, and the first and second movement patterns are such that the positions of each sample support member along the length direction of the beam path during movement of the photometer device are approximately the same. A method for monitoring chemical reactions according to claim 1, characterized in that the beam path is oriented in the radial direction of the axis. 3. A chemical reaction monitoring method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the photometer device is moved continuously and the plurality of sample supporting members are moved in stages. 4. Generate a digital output proportional to the beam transmittance of the contents within each sample support member using the analog electrical signal, and transmit this digital output from the moving photometer device by a transmitting device, the transmitting device being connected to the photometer device. A method for monitoring chemical reactions according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that they are moved together and their transmitted digital output is supplied to a stationary receiving device. 5. Sequentially supplying clean sample supports and sequentially supplying these sample supports with aliquots and reagents from a plurality of sample and reagent sources to monitor chemical reactions within the plurality of sample support members in continuous operation. A chemical reaction monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the chemical reaction monitoring method can be carried out in a mode. 6. Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that input information regarding the identification and use of samples, subspecimens, and reagents is received, these are controlled and correlated, and the results are output. A method for monitoring a chemical reaction according to any one of the above. 1 dividing the radiant energy beam path into two parts and directing the image parts to pass through different layers of the sample support member;
7. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an associated analog signal is generated from each of the beam sections. 8. A patent characterized in that a plurality of radiant energy beam paths are formed, each beam path passing through the sample support member, and each beam path generating a separate analog signal for each sample support member. A chemical reaction monitoring method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. A method for monitoring chemical reactions according to claim 8, wherein analog signals are generated in response to different wavelengths of radiant energy received from at least two of the beam paths. 10. In an apparatus for monitoring chemical reactions occurring in a plurality of samples, such as liquids, held within each of a plurality of sample support members each comprising a wall that is permeable to at least some amount of radiant energy, the support device 68. γ0, a rotor 56 rotatably mounted on the axis of the support device, and a turntable γ4 coaxially arranged with the rotor and rotatable with respect to the support device.
and, on the turntable, a plurality of radiant energy transparent sample support members 3 arranged annularly along one axis with respect to the axis.
2, a first drive device 1 that rotates the turntable about its axis according to a first rotation program and causes the sample support member to travel along the annular path while the turntable is rotating;
28, 130, 132° 134, and a second rotation of the rotor about the axis according to a second rotation program such that the number of rotations of the rotor during a predetermined period is higher than the number of rotations of the turntable during the same period. Drive device 64.72: At least one of the sample supports in any one of the plurality of sample support members mounted on the rotor and each passing through at least the target passageway and running in the passageway. a plurality of radiant energy beam paths 54 across the sample support member and in response to any radiant energy transmitted along each beam path as the sample support member traverses the beam paths; a photometer device 84 comprising a device 52 for generating an electrical signal related to the chemical state of the rotor; a device 88 for processing the electrical signal carried by the rotor and generating useful data from the processed signal; 1. A chemical reaction monitoring device comprising: a device 20 for activating the photometer; and devices 110-116 for coupling substantially all of the processed electrical signals from the photometer device to the data generating device. 11. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 10, wherein the rotation of the turntable and the rotation of the rotor are unidirectional and in the same direction. 12. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 10, wherein the turntable rotates in one direction, and the rotor rotates in multiple directions at various periods. 13 the beam passages are arranged radially with respect to the axis;
Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the sample support member always crosses the annular passage through which the sample support member passes.
The chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of paragraphs. 14. The turntable is rotated in steps by the first driving device to generate a movement period in which each sample support member moves relative to a fixed point of the support device and a stop period in which it stops. A chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of claims 10 to 13. 15. A patent claim characterized in that the stop period is considerably longer than the movement period, and a device is provided that enables the photometer device to operate during the stop period and disables the photometer operation during the movement period. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to item 14. 16. The photometer device comprises a radiant energy source 50 and at least one radiant energy detector 52, and the beam path extends in a straight line from the radiant energy source to the detector. A chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of claims 10 to 15. 112 radiant energy detectors 52', 52'' are provided, and a device 150, 152 is provided for dividing the beam path into two parts and directing each image part through a different layer of the sample support member. 17. The chemical reaction monitoring device of claim 16, wherein the photometer device includes a radiant energy source and at least two spaced apart radiant energy detectors in two radial beam paths. the beam paths are configured to scan the spaced apart array of sample support members, and each of the radiant energy detectors is configured to respond to incident radiant energy at a different wavelength. 19. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the radiant energy source is a single radiant energy source disposed on the shaft. 20. A chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 16 or 18. 20. The radiant energy source is a plurality of radiant energy sources, each source being aligned with a separate detector so that a beam is formed between them. Claim 1 characterized in that a passage is formed.
The chemical reaction monitoring device according to item 8. 21. The number of radiant energy detectors is two or more, and a beam path is formed between these detectors and the single radiant energy source and arranged radially at intervals with respect to the axis of the rotor. A chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 19. 22 The number of radiant energy detectors is two or more, and beam paths arranged radially at intervals with respect to the ring of the rotor are formed between these detectors and the plurality of radiant energy sources. Characteristic Claim No. 20
Chemical reaction monitoring device as described in section. 23. At least one supply station 36 and at least one withdrawal station 48 are provided on the support device, and the sample is placed in the sample support member during successive stops as the turntable passes through the supply station. Claim 10, characterized in that the sample is sequentially supplied to the sample support member, and the sample is sequentially extracted from the sample support member during sequential stop periods when the turntable passes through the sample extraction station. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of items 22 to 22. 24. The photomaking device comprises a plurality of photometers arranged at intervals around the periphery of the rotor, each photometer having a structure forming a radiant energy beam path arranged radially with respect to the axis of the rotor. all beam paths pass through the annular path, and the sample support member rotated by the rotor traverses all beam paths;
Each photometer is provided with an independent device for generating an electrical signal in response to said beam of radiant energy as it passes through a sample support member, and further includes said data generating device for generating an electrical signal in response to said beam of radiant energy as it passes through a sample support member; Claims 10 to 23, characterized in that the coupling device is arranged to generate data relating to energy absorption rate, and the coupling device is arranged to couple all of the electrical signals to the data generating device. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of the above. 25. The turntable is attached to the shaft above and close to the rotor, so that the turntable can be rotated by the first drive device independently of rotation of the rotor by the second drive device. A chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of claims 10 to 23. 26 The device for processing the electrical signal of each photometer is provided with an analog-to-digital converter 88, the data generating device being connected to the next element attached to the rotor, i.e. an input connected to the output terminal of each of the converters. A digital multiplexer 92 having terminals and a device 94 for generating digital data regarding the absorption rate of radiant energy in bit series.
and a data bit transmitting device 106, and the data generating device is further provided with the following elements systematically deposited on the support device, namely a data bit receiving device 1B and a bit serial connection. Bit parallel logic communication device 10
25. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 24, further comprising a main control unit 20 connected in series. 21 A patent claim characterized in that the turntable is rotated in a stepwise manner by the first driving device to provide a movement period in which each sample support member moves relative to a reference point of the support device and a stop period in which it stops. Range 24th to 2nd
The chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of Item 6. 28. A chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of claims 24 to 2T, wherein the at least two photometers are configured to respond to incident radiant energy of different wavelengths. 29 The data generating device includes at least one computing device, and the coupling device includes a receiving mechanism 112 supported on the support device and forming a fixed communication link between the computing device and the photometer. 116, and a transmitting mechanism 110, 114 supported by the rotor and forming a rotating communication link between the computing device and the photometer. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of the above. 30. The chemical reaction according to any one of claims 10 to 29, wherein the device for processing the electrical signal is provided with a device for converting the electrical signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. Monitor device. 31 In an apparatus for monitoring chemical reactions occurring in a plurality of samples such as liquids held by a plurality of sample support members, the support structure 68. γ0, and a plurality of sample support members 32 arranged and attached to the support structure in a first plane and arranged in an annular shape around a central axis perpendicular to the first plane. γ4, a rotor 56 disposed parallel to the support for the sample support member and rotatably mounted on the axis, and a photometer 84 fixed to the rotor, and the photometer includes a radiant energy source 50 and a rotor 56. , a photoresponsive element 52 aligned with the radiant energy source and receiving a beam of radiant energy emitted therefrom, the radiant energy source and the photoresponsive element being arranged such that the beam is in a radial direction of the rotor; One of the radiant energy source or the photoresponsive element is arranged inside the annular row of the sample support member, and the other is arranged outside the annular row, so that the beam draws a disc-shaped trajectory by rotation of the rotor. , due to the vertical positional relationship between the annular array of sample support members and the trajectory of the beam, the disc-shaped trajectory of the beam intersects and scans at the level of the sample support member, and the beam is held by the sample support member. When the rotor is rotated one or more rotations relative to the row of sample supporting members by rotating the rotor, the beam sequentially hits all of the sample supporting members during each rotation of the rotor. The beam is scanned at least once, and when the rotation of the rotor is less than one rotation with respect to the row of sample supporting members, the beam is configured to sequentially scan all the sample supporting members fewer times than that. drive device 64. γ2, causing the photoresponsive element to respond to the beam to generate an analog signal related to a light effect produced by the sample support member or, if desired, a sample held thereon, to generate data from the light effect. a data generating device is provided for generating data, the device being non-rotating relative to the support structure and responsive to digital information, supported by the rotor and connected to the photoresponsive element to generate data from the element. An analog-to-digital converter 88 is provided for converting the generated analog signal into digital information, and coupling devices 110 to 116 are provided, comprising a fixed part supported by the support structure and a rotating part fixed to the rotor, A chemical reaction monitoring device characterized in that a fixed part is connected to the analog-to-digital converter to receive its output, and the fixed part is connected to a data generator 20. 32. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 31, wherein the coupling device is a slip ring device provided on the shaft. The support for the sample support member is also rotatably mounted on the shaft, and the drive device 128, 130 rotates the support for the sample support member at a lower speed than the rotor. 132.134. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that a chemical reaction monitoring device is provided. 34. Claims 31-33, wherein each of a plurality of photometers is provided with an independent photoresponsive element aligned with the radiant energy source to define an individual beam path for each photometer. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of the above. 35. Claim 31, characterized in that each of the plurality of photometers is provided with an independent radiant energy source and an independent photoresponsive element such as a rectifier to form an individual beam path for each photometer. 34. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to any one of items 33 to 33. 36. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 34 or 35, wherein at least two of the photoresponsive elements of the photometer are responsive to incident radiant energy of different wavelengths. 37 Each sample support member is constituted by a cuvette, at least one wall of which is permeable to radiant energy;
The cuvette is adapted to hold a liquid sample and is arranged to direct each beam of radiant energy through the wall and optionally a portion of the liquid sample within the cuvette to an associated light sensitive element. Range 31st
Chemical reaction monitoring device as described in section. 38. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 31, wherein the first plane is horizontal and the axis is vertical. 39 a second wall facing the one wall of each cuvette;
32. A wall according to claim 31, wherein the walls are also permeable to radiant energy, and the photoresponsive elements associated with each beam are arranged such that radiant energy successively emitted from each second wall can be received. Chemical reaction monitoring device. 40. The chemical reaction monitoring device according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the support for the sample support member is non-rotatably mounted on the support structure.