JPS5922169B2 - Device that automatically determines the concentration of unknown substances - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an automatic measuring device for the concentration of an unknown substance in a test sample, and is particularly characterized by two-wavelength-dual filtering and a rotating disk type filter assembly for achieving the same. The present invention relates to the above-mentioned device having the following features.

The apparatus of the present invention consists of the following components (4) to (3), and particularly has the following component as a main feature.

(4) a single light source that provides light of a first and second wavelength, respectively, through the passage of corresponding filters, the first wavelength of light being absorbed by the unknown substance; B)
(C) a test sample holder transparent to the first and second wavelengths of light;
Auto) A rotating disk that can rotate around a central axis and has four slots equally spaced along an internal concentric ring portion: and a rotating disk that fits into each of the slots of this rotating disk and that rotates around an arc. A pair of filter members L, , L1 are replaced by 1800 degrees, and another pair of filter members L, L1 is spaced apart from each other by 900 degrees, and is replaced by 180 degrees with respect to each other in an arc. Two pairs of filter members (L2, L2 and L3, L
3: L2 and L3 of each pair are in the same slot, and L2 and L3 are in the same slot.
3 may be of the same type or different types): in the test position, one filter member of the pair of filter members L1, L, directs light of a first wavelength from the light source from below to above the rotating disk. and the other filter member of the pair of filter members L, L1 passes the light of the first wavelength that has passed through the test sample holder from above to below the rotating disk. and point it at the detection device, and at the reference position where the rotary disk is rotated by 90° from the above position, the other two
One filter member L2, L of the pair of filter members
at least one element (L2 or L,) of said another pair of filter members for directing light of a second wavelength from the light source from below to above the rotating disk and onto the test holder; at least one of the other filter members of
(E) a filter assembly comprising an element (L2 or L3) arranged to direct light of a second wavelength that has passed through the test sample holder from above the rotating disk to below the rotating disk; (E) from the light source; a device for directing light from the test sample to a detection device;
(a rotating device mounted on a rotating disk for moving the D filter assembly between the test position and the reference position;
and (9) an analog-to-digital converter that converts the electric signal from the above-mentioned detection device into a digital signal. A filter was placed only before, and no further filters were placed after the light after passing through the filter entered the test sample.

Therefore, with this type of conventional technology, absorption analysis is hindered.
Seed light: (1) light scattered from the light source and (2)
In many cases, environments other than the analytical equipment, such as daytime indoor light, were mixed into the analytical system. On the other hand, in the case of single-wavelength absorption analysis, filters were sometimes placed before and after the test sample (i.e., single-wavelength, binary filtering); If this is the case, moving from the test position to the reference position or vice versa requires the complicated work of removing one pair of filters and inserting another pair of filters. The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with conventional two-wavelength absorption analysis (one-factor filtering), and to analyze a two-wavelength/two-factor filtering mechanism that automatically switches filters. The goal is to provide equipment.

According to the apparatus of the present invention, the proportion of the above-mentioned light that interferes with absorption analysis reaching the analysis system, particularly the detection device, is attenuated by the square of its intensity (for example, 0.1% of the above-mentioned mixed light
Even if it passes through the first filter, O. 1%XO. Only 1%=0.0001 (fl) of light reaches the detection device.

As a result, the invention eliminates any need to operate the analytical instrument in a closed dark room environment, and the test sample holder can also be operated under room light. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the binary filtering can be switched by rotating the rotary disk (there is no need to remove one pair of filters and insert another pair of filters). Automatic measurements can be taken. The filter assembly, which is the main feature of the present invention, includes a pair of filter members Ll,
Ll and two other pairs of filter members (L2, L2 and L3, L
3), but in the latter case, L2 and L3 of each set are in the same slot, and L2 and L3 can be of the same type or of different types.

In the case of the same type, L2 and L3 can also constitute one filter. In either case, the mechanism and effects of two-wavelength one-dual filtering can be explained as above. Next, the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Below, the following items are explained with reference to a cuvette (preferred specific example of a test sample holder), a force row cell (rotating body), a dispenser, an operation of the dispenser, an analytical device, and a processing circuit. The main features are shown in Figures 5 and 20 to 22 under the heading Analyzer.
It will be best understood from the description with reference to the figures.
However, for a complete understanding of the apparatus of the present invention, reference is preferably made to the entire description below. Vase: Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the vase 30 includes 32 compartments in which 32 individual chemical test specimens are mixed and held for analysis.

This vase is made of Roam and House Plexiglas (
ROhmandHaasPlexiglas)V(81
1) It is integrally formed of an acrylic plastic material that transmits ultraviolet light such as -100 UVT. This material has been found to have a number of advantages. This is relatively inexpensive and the vase can therefore be disposed of after use. In addition, the acrylic plastics have excellent optical properties for transmitting ultraviolet light. This property is not found in other acrylic plastics. Referring to Figures 2 to 4, pot 3
0 has a sloped inner wall 32 with an inner surface 34 and an outer surface 36.

The vase 30 also has an angled outer wall 40 with an inner surface 42 and an outer surface 44. Side walls 32 and 40 are each angled at an angle of 15 degrees from the vertical. This angle was found to be the minimum necessary to prevent the test fluid from splashing out of the reservoir as it was discharged into the reservoir. The other part of the vase 30 consists of a cylindrical collar 50 having an upper edge 52, a lower edge 54, and a central axis 56. Collar 50 defines ventilation openings 55 through which air passes. Additionally, the vase 30 has a locating lip 92 attached to the outer side wall 40 as shown.

The lips 92 include notches, e.g. 94, located along the radial centerline of the compartment, equally spaced therebetween.
It has 96. The spacer 58 is integrally formed with the side wall to be waterproof and forms 32 compartments 60-91.

These compartments are arranged along lines forming a circle. The lower part of each spacer is divided into two parts 57, 59 separating each of the compartments by an air space 53.
Such a feature allows several pots to be placed on top of each other, thereby reducing the space required for storage. In addition, this air space allows the fluid of the heating device to pass around each compartment separately, thereby reducing the time required to raise the temperature of the specimen. This feature will be described in detail later. Each of the compartments is adapted to hold a specimen to be analyzed. The lower portion of each compartment fits in a waterproof manner with a bottom wall that is integrally formed with the adjacent spacer and side walls. The exemplary bottom wall 48 has a curved upper surface 49 that creates a swirling motion to facilitate mixing as fluid is injected into the compartment. Each of the compartments 60-91 are identical, as can be seen from the exemplary embodiments 67 and 83 shown in FIG. Compartment 83 includes the aforementioned side walls and a bottom wall. In addition, the compartment 83 has flat planar portions 98 and 100 thereby forming the window 38. Similarly, the compartment 67 has the aforementioned side walls and a bottom wall. In addition, compartment 67 has flat planar portions 102 and 104 thereby forming window portion 46 . It should be noted that portions 98, 100 are opposed planar members that are parallel to each other. Similarly, portion 102,
104 are also opposed planar members parallel to each other and to portions 98, 100. As seen in FIGS. 2 to 4, the flat planar portion forming the window is in a common plane and integrally formed with the bottom wall and the side walls. Sidewalls 32 and 40 are each 0.040 inch thick, and the distances between planar portions 98 and 100 and between planar portions 102 and 104 are both exactly one centimeter. As will be discussed in more detail below, this window arrangement provides a precise path length for the radiant energy analysis beam not found in test tube urns used in other devices.
Furthermore, since the entire vase is made of relatively inexpensive plastic, it can be disposed of after a single use, thus preventing its contamination from previous use or from improper cleaning. Being able to dispose of the pot is extremely important. This is because there is no need to use large amounts of reagents to wash previous samples from the flow-through flask. By using the crucible described here, the same compartment can be used as a reaction chamber and a radiant energy analysis chamber, thereby making the work more economical and making the apparatus more compact. Force Row Cell (Rotating Body): Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 7, the force row cell 110 is a cylindrical base member 11 that supports platform bases 114, 115.
2.

Platform 114 supports cylindrical support columns 116;
Cooling air is circulated through the column 116 by a fan 118. A cylindrical outer post 120 is carried by the top of post 116. The heating device 122 generally includes a toroidal bath 124, which chamber has a cylindrical inner wall 126.
and a cylindrical outer wall 128.

The wall portion 126 is integrally formed with the column 120. Walls 126 and 128 are made of a good thermally conductive material such as aluminum or copper. Windows are located in walls 126 and 128 that readily transmit radiant energy to accommodate the analytical equipment described below. Bathroom 124 is filled with water to level A as shown in FIG. The water is heated to a predetermined temperature by heater element 129, which is controlled by a thermistor 131 and a manually adjustable control switch (not shown). As shown in FIG. 5, a heater is used to maintain the specimen at a predetermined temperature within the chamber of the vase. As mentioned above,
The crucible compartments are separated to allow water in the heating device 122 to flow freely in close proximity to each test specimen. This arrangement allows the temperature of the specimen to be raised more quickly and to maintain the specimen at a more uniform temperature than previously possible. Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the force row cell 110 includes a movable positioning platform 130 that includes a cylindrical skirt 132 and an annular test tube stop 134. .

The fixture consists of a horizontal ring member 136 that is provided with holes, generally designated 138, for receiving thirty-two test tubes. Test tubes 140, 141 are shown here as a good example. Each of the test tubes is disposed along a common radius with its respective collar compartment. The locking device is also a vertical annular locking device 14.
2. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the test tube is used to hold a chemical sample before it is mixed with suitable reagents to form a specimen for analysis. These test tubes are, for example, clip 1
It is urged against the catch 142 by resilient spring clips such as 43 and 144. These clips are attached to skirt portion 132. The positioning platform 130 also includes a projecting annular portion 146 carrying a circular positioning member 148 with a detent on its underside. The member 148
The test tube is provided with one detent opposite each test tube and corresponding crucible compartment, so that each test specimen can be accurately positioned in a predetermined analysis position during the analysis process. The entire positioning platform is rotatably attached to platform 115 in a manner not shown. A guide 149 cooperating with a notch in the lip 92 of the pot 30
, 150 are attached to the inner edge of the platform 130. By using these guides, the pot can be accurately positioned on the platform and rotated in unison with the platform. The cylindrical skirt 132 includes 32 sets of five cord holes drilled proximate a radial line extending from each vase compartment.

An exemplary set 152 of such cord holes is shown in FIG. Referring again to FIG. 5, light is transmitted by a light tube 156 through a cord hole to a plurality of fixed phototransistors 154. As detailed later,
The code hole is used to generate a binary identification code that identifies each test tube and corresponding pot compartment that is moved to the analysis position. That is, each test tube and corresponding pot compartment is identified by a different arrangement of coded holes that can be identified and used to perform a certain mechanical action. It is well known to those skilled in the art how to arrange the cell or phototransistor 154 to recognize the binary code formed by this hole. As shown in FIG. 5, the test tube detection device 158 is held in a cabinet 160, which is located in a position forward of the analysis position. This detection device consists of a pendulum 1 rotated around a rod 164.
It has 62. This pendulum generally swings into the passage of test tube 138. At this position, the mercury switch 166 is closed.
When the test tube is positioned opposite the device 158, the pendulum 16
2 is moved to the position shown in FIG.
Open 66. Device 158 operates in the manner described below, so that
If the test tube is not in a particular position on ring member 136, normal operation of the device will be disrupted. The force row cell 100 also includes a circulation system 168 shown in FIG.

This device 168 comprises a solenoid 170 for actuating an actuating arm 172, which arm consists of an upper arm 171 and a lower arm 173 pivoting about a bearing 174. Device 1
68 also includes a metal bellows 176, usually filled with oil.
It is equipped with A flexible cap portion 177 is located above the bellows and is a flapper that controls the movement of oil. Valve 17
8 to the bellows. A spring 180 attached to the actuating arm 172 moves the roller arm 182 (seventh
(as shown in the figure). Roller 184 is rotatably mounted on the outer end of roller arm 182 and is urged into contact with detents, e.g. 185, 186, on positioning member 148. As mentioned above, the positioning member 1
48 is rigidly attached to a positioning platform 130 that carries the acupoint 30. spring 180
The pressing action ensures accurate positioning of the positioning platform at all times. The circulation system operates as follows. When solenoid 170 operates, it forces upper arm 171 to the right (as shown in FIG. 7) and lower arm 173 upwardly, thereby forcing bellows 176 in an upward direction.

This force is resisted by the oil-filled bellows. To release the oil pressure, flapper valve 178 opens, thereby allowing oil to flow freely from the bellows into flexible cap 177. When the upper arm 171 moves to the right, the roller 18
4 is removed from the detent 185 and replaced with the detent 186. Said movement of the actuating arm is so rapid that the force row cell positioning platform 130 temporarily remains in a fixed position. Upon completion of the solenoid stroke, the actuating arm reaches the position shown in the phantom diagram of FIG. At this time, the solenoid is deenergized and the elasticity of the metal bellows pushes the operating arm back to its original position. Return of the actuating arm to its original position is weakened by closing the flapper valve. The flapper valve is provided with a hole so that oil can leak into the metal bellows at a predetermined rate, thus allowing a smooth and steady return movement of the actuating arm. As a result, when the actuating arm returns to its initial position, the detent 186
is moved to the position previously occupied by detent 185. The positioning platform 130 then advances one position. As the positioning platform advances, the acupoint compartment also advances one position. To adjust the normal position of the actuating arm, a stop lever 188 with a threaded adjustment screw 189 is used, and the positioning platform supports the acupoint in a precise predetermined position for each solenoid stroke.

A circulation system is used to advance the acupoint compartments one after the other into the path of the analysis beam, as will be described in more detail below. Dispenser:
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the dispenser 200
The base member 203 and the mounting plates 206, 207
and 208.

The dispenser also includes a probe holder 212 that includes vertical support members 214 and 216.

The vertical support member is positioned by upper arm 218 which is pivotally mounted by pins 220,221. Similarly, the vertical support member is positioned by a lower arm 222 which is pivotally mounted by pins 224,225. Support member 216 using tube 226
The fluid is conducted to a probe body 260 attached to the probe body 260 .
The dispenser 200 also includes a vertical positioner 230 that includes an up-down solenoid 232 that extends along its longitudinal axis at the upper end 23.
Activate the push rod 233 with 4. The push rod 233 is
It is rigidly connected to a piston 235 that operates within a cylinder 236. The piston is normally urged upwardly by a helical biasing spring 237 held within the cylinder below the piston. As a result, the probe holder is usually located at the position shown by the solid line in Figure 8 (from 8 up to 7 in the figure).
position). The cylinder 236 is rotatably attached to the plate 206 via a lower bearing 238 and is rotatably attached to the plate 206 via an upper bearing 239.
It is rotatably attached to 7. Adjustable stop members 240 and 241 are provided to determine the lowest position of the probe when the probe is positioned above the test tube and pot, respectively.
is adapted to cooperate with a bar 242 attached to the feeler holder. Dispenser 200 also includes a horizontal positioning device 244 that includes a spiral spring 246 connected at one end to plate 207 and at the other end to cylinder 236.

This spring is normally located at the position shown in the phantom diagram in FIG.
Press the probe holder onto the test tube (position 1). Adjustable stop member 248 to control the position of the probe holder when the probe holder is positioned over the test tube and pot, respectively.
and 249 are used. Additionally, device 244 includes a rotary solenoid 250 that actuates push rod 252 along its longitudinal axis. The push rod 252 has a pin 255,
256 and arm 257 to fixture 254, which is rigidly attached to one side of cylinder 236. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the dispenser also includes a probe body 260. Referring to FIGS.

The probe is equipped with a stainless steel nozzle 262,
The nozzle includes a front body 263, a rear body 264, and a tip 261. The inner diameter of the front body is 0.01
The outer diameter is 5 inches. 020 inches. The rear torso has an inside diameter of 0.015 inches and an outside diameter of 0.032 inches. The total length of the nozzle is 0.39 inches. As shown in FIG. 10, the nozzle is fitted into tube 266 so that the rear body is completely surrounded by tube 266. tube 26
6 is placed exactly in the corresponding recess of the support arm or member 216, a rod 267 is placed on the side of the tube 266 in the position shown. Tube 266 terminates in a beveled portion 268 that aligns with tube 226 in the manner shown in FIG. Applicants have discovered that the size of the nozzle is important for efficient and accurate dispensing of organic liquids, such as serum.

More specifically, the applicant claims that the inner diameter of the nozzle is 0.0
I learned that it had to be between 10 inches and 0.020 inches. If the nozzle diameter is substantially 0.0
If it is smaller than 10 inches, the nozzle will easily become clogged due to foreign molecules present in the system. If the inside diameter of the nozzle is substantially greater than 0.020 inches, two problems occur. (1) Dispensing speed is not sufficient to provide proper agitation and mixing of reagent fluid and serum.

(2) The meniscus of the fluid at the tip of the nozzle becomes difficult to control.

For example, the lower portion of the fluid meniscus may rupture, thereby reducing the accuracy of the amount of fluid transferred.

The outer diameter of the nozzle is made as small as possible consistent with adequate structural strength, thereby reducing and keeping the area of the nozzle wetted by serum to a minimum.

The dispenser also includes a mixing device 270.

Referring to Figures 8 and 12 to 15,
Mixing device 270 includes a reagent reservoir 272 that holds a reagent fluid that is mixed with the sample held in test tube 138 to prepare specimens for the various acupoint compartments. This reagent reservoir 272 is connected to the immersion pipe 273.
, cover 274, and transfer pipe 2 connected to the immersion pipe.
75. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the mixing device 270 also includes a microsyringe 280 having a volume of 50 microliters.

This microsyringe has a stainless steel tip 2 that defines a glass body 281 and an outer cylinder 283.
82. A hollow plunger 284 defining an inner cylinder 285 is arranged to slide within the outer cylinder 283. Cylinders 283 and 285 together define a cavity 286 that includes an entry orifice 287 located at the end of tip 282 and plunger 28.
An exit orifice 288 located at the end of the 4 is provided. The tip 282 is connected to the tube 226 and the probe 282 is connected to the tube 226.
60 and defines a passage to the probe nozzle tip 261. Referring to FIG. 14, mixing device 270 also includes 250
A macro (large) syringe 290 with a volume of 0 microliters is provided.

The macrosyringe includes a stainless steel tip 292 fitted into a glass body 291 defining a cylinder 293. The solid glass plunger 294 is connected to the cylinder 29
3. It is designed to slide inside. The cylinder 293 is
The end of tip 292 connected to tube 298 defines a cavity 295 with an entry orifice 296 . 1st
4 and 15, the microphone-mouth syringe and the macro-syringe are connected to a three-way valve 300, which comprises a case 301 and a valve element 302.

This valve element 302 defines grooves 303, 304,
The grooves can be interconnected with each inlet 305, 306 and 307. Plunger 284 has an outlet orifice 288 rigidly connected to inlet 306 of valve 300 . As shown in FIG. 14, when the valve is in the "discharge" position, it forms a passageway with tube 298 extending from outlet orifice 288 of microsyringe 280 to inlet orifice 296 of macrosyringe 290.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the valve is in the "load" position, the tube 275, together with the valve and tube 298, forms a passageway extending from the reagent reservoir 272 to the inlet orifice 296. 8th, 1
6, 16a, 16b and 17, the dispenser 200 also includes an actuator 310. Referring to FIGS. The actuator 310 includes a horizontal support bar 3 that rigidly connects the barrels 281 and 291 of the syringes 280 and 290, respectively, to the frame.
14. Another horizontal support rod 315 connects the reservoir 272 to the frame. Actuator 310 also includes:
Mug mouth syringe 29 to valve 300 and via fitting 326
includes a removable plate 311 connected to plunger 294 of 0. Plate 311 is a screw (not shown)
It is connected to the gear ring 312 by. By simply removing these screws, the entire plate can be removed as shown in Figure 16a. This is an important feature. It is a micro syringe, for making different measurements.
This is because it facilitates the exchange of macrosyringes and reservoirs. By removing a set of plates and replacing them with others, the device can be swapped out for different measurements in a matter of seconds. Plate 311 carries a stop member 313 which can be fitted and adjusted in a number of different holes 313a in plate 311. The member 313 controls the lower position of the plate 311 by actuating a microswitch 363a attached to the frame via a bracket 319. The plate 311 is also another stop member 321
This member carries another micro switch 36
3b to control the horizontal position of the plate 311. The gear ring 312 includes a base member or substrate 203 and a horizontal plate 31.
7 along a vertical axis 316 connected thereto. Gear ring 312 is bearing 31
8,320 to the shaft 316, the bearing being adapted to slide vertically along the shaft. This gear link is driven by a rack 322 which cooperates with a pinion gear described below. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the actuating device 310 further includes a clutch device 327 that includes a motor 328 whose rotor is coupled to the clutch plate via a shaft (not shown). 330. The clutch plate is connected to the stop surface 33 through a low modulus clutch surface member 336.
Activate valve drive plate 332 having 3,334. Drive plate 332 is pinned by hole 342 to shaft 338 having slot 339. The stop surfaces 333, 334 cooperate with stop members connected to the frame such that the shaft 338
Prevents rotation over an arc of more than 2 degrees. 14th
and 15, slot 339 connects valve element 30 to move the valve element between discharge and charge positions.
It cooperates with the rib 340 of No. 2. The clutch plate also operates a pinion drive plate 344 having a slot 345 through a high modulus clutch face member 346. A pinion gear 348 is connected to drive plate 344 via a pin (not shown) that fits into slot 345 from hole 350 . This arrangement allows the clutch plate to be moved through a 90 degree arc before the pinion gear moves. The entire clutch device includes a retaining plate 352 and a screw 353.
, a spring 354 and a nut 355. Referring to FIG. 18, actuator 310 also includes dispenser control circuitry 360. Referring to FIG.

This control circuit consists of microswitches 363a and 363 mounted on the frame close to the gear ring.
The motor control circuit 362 includes a motor control circuit 362 having a motor control circuit 362. When the dispenser is in operation, the stop members 313 and 321 on the gear ring
works with a micro switch. A motor control circuit is used to control windings 364 and 366 that form part of motor 328. The motor control circuit controls the windings by sending signals to conductors 367, 368 and 369. Dispenser control circuit 360 also includes an up-down solenoid control circuit 370, which
0 is used to control winding 372 of up-down solenoid 232 by conductors 373 and 374.

Furthermore, the dispenser control circuit is a rotary solenoid circuit 3.
76, this circuit 376 includes a rotary solenoid 250
is used to control the winding 378 of the circuit by means of conductors 379 and 380. Operation of the Dispenser: The operation of the dispenser is described below as the test tube 140 and its corresponding pot compartment 83 are moved to the positions shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Further, it is assumed that the test tube 140 holds an aqueous solution such as blood, and that air has been removed from the mixing device. As previously mentioned, springs 237 and 246 normally bias the feeler holder to an upper position above the test tube (ie, the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 8 and the hypothetical line in FIG. 9). Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, operation of the dispenser is initiated by transmitting a negative pulse through distribution line 713 to motor control circuit 362. Referring to FIGS. In response to this signal,
In the manner shown in FIG.
across the winding 364 of the signal D1. In response to signal D1, motor 328 drives clutch plate 330, valve drive plate 332, shaft 338, and valve element 3 over 90 arcs.
Rotate the rib 340 of 02. This moves the valve element to the position shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, rotation of valve element 302 takes approximately 1.16 seconds. While the valve element 302 is rotating, the up-down solenoid F
bI circuit 370 issues signal D3 (FIG. 19) to winding 372 of up-down solenoid 232.

Referring to FIG. 8, in response to signal D3, solenoid 232 rapidly lowers push rod 233, thereby pushing tip 261 of probe 260 toward the liquid level held within test tube 140. lower to level F below. In other words, the feeler holder 212 is lowered to the position shown by the hypothetical line in FIG. 8 (ie, the "load" position).゛Stopping member 2
40 is adjusted appropriately, the tip 261 is positioned no more than 2 mm below the liquid level. This turned out to be an important feature. This is because the surface area of the probe nozzle in contact with the liquid is reduced. After the probe is in its loading position and after the valve element 302 has rotated to the position shown in FIG. 15, the pinion gear 348 (FIG. 17)
A pin inserted into hole 350 engages the end of slot 345, causing the pinion gear to rotate.

When the pinion gear rotates, the rack 322 and gear ring 3
12 is driven downward (FIG. 16) by 1. gearin 3
12 is attached to plunger 294 and valve 300 so that the syringe plunger is pulled away from the syringe barrel. The cavity delimited by the syringe is thereby enlarged. This mode of operation allows a small amount of fluid to flow from the test tube 140 through the tip 261 of the probe into the nozzle 2.
62. Typically, this fluid volume is 10 microliters. At the same time, reagent fluid is drawn from reservoir 272 into syringe 290 via tube 275, valve element 302, and tube 298. To achieve the above results, the gear ring 312 moves down about 100 inches in about 1.46 seconds.

When the gear ring 312 moves far enough down to interact with the microswitch 363a (FIG. 18), signal D1 ends and the gear ring stops. If a large amount of fluid has to be probed and drawn into the body, Gearin 31
2 can change the position of the stop member 313 and move it slightly further downward. After the gear link 312 has stopped in its lower position, that is, after the plungers 284, 294 have stopped moving, the actuator 310 moves the nozzle 262 at least 0.
Allow it to remain in the fluid for 1 second. After 0.1 seconds have passed, signal D3 is removed from winding 372 of up-down solenoid 232, as shown in FIG.

At this time, the spring 237 works rapidly to separate the probe nozzle upward from the liquid in the test tube 140. This is an important feature. This is because the rapid upward movement causes the probe nozzle to move away from the liquid in the test tube 140 without any drop of liquid remaining on the nozzle itself. The probe continues its upward movement until it reaches the position shown in solid line in FIG. After the loaded probe reaches its upper position, rotary solenoid circuit 376 causes signal D4 (FIG. 19) to appear on winding 378 of rotary solenoid 250 (FIG. 18).

In response to this signal, solenoid 250 activates push rod 252.
is driven towards the solenoid itself (FIG. 19), thereby moving the feeler holder from the position shown in the phantom diagram of FIG. 9 to the position shown in solid lines. When the feeler holder is rotating toward the center, motor control circuit 362 issues signal D2 (FIG. 19) through winding 366 of motor 328 (FIG. 18). In response to this signal, the orientation of clutch plate 330 is reversed so that valve element 302 returns to its original position as shown in FIG. This operation takes approximately 1.16 seconds. While valve element 302 is rotating to the position shown in FIG. 14, up-down solenoid control circuit 370 again applies signal D3 to winding 37 of up-down solenoid 232 (FIG. 18).
Put it out on 2nd.

In response to this signal, the probe tip 261 enters the vase compartment 83 and descends to level G (FIG. 5). Level G
is calculated to be no more than 2 mm below the surface level of the liquid, which is the level that will form in the compartment 83 after the probe has been released. The surface level is indicated by level H in FIG. As previously mentioned, the nozzle tip 261 is lowered precisely to level G by adjusting the stop member 241. This is an important feature. This is because experience has shown that if the tip 261 of the nozzle extends even slightly below the level of the liquid surface, a bubble of liquid will remain in the probe nozzle. If the nozzle tip remains above this level, liquid froth will remain on the nozzle and thereby tend to contaminate the next prepared specimen. Similarly, if the nozzle tip extends too far below surface level H, the nozzle will wet over too much of the nozzle and an excessive amount of test fluid will be diverted to the next compartment. Valve element 302 is the first
After rotating to the position shown in Figure 4, pinion gear 348
The pin in hole 350 engages the opposite side of slot 345, thereby locking rack 322 and gear link 312.
is driven upward as shown in FIG.

As a result, plungers 284 and 294 each
80 and 290 into the bodies 281 and 291. This movement reduces the size of the cavity bounded by syringes 280 and 290 so that the sample fluid present in probe body 260 is forced into the acupoint compartment 83 and the reagent fluid in cylinder 295 is forced into the tube. 298, valve 30
0, is driven into the tube compartment 83 via the plunger 284, the cylinder 283 of the microsyringe 280, the tube 226, and the probe 260. The gear ring continues to rise until the microswitch 363b is actuated by the stop member 321, so that the signal D2 ceases and the gear ring stops. The aforementioned dispensing method is an important feature. The reason is,
After the fluid sample from the test tube is driven into the acupoint compartment, reagent fluid passes through syringe 280, tube 226, and probe. This action displaces these components of the sample fluid, thereby preparing the device for mixing another sample with additional reagent fluid. For adequate cleaning, the volume of reagent fluid delivered through the probe must be at least ten times the volume of sample fluid dispensed. The appropriate ratio of reagent to sample fluid is determined by adjusting the microsyringe and the relative sizes of the microsyringe. As mentioned above, the curved bottom of the pot and the angled side walls allow the fluid discharged by the probe to be mixed by swirling action within the respective pot compartments. Once the sample and reagent fluids were completely expelled, the test specimen within compartment 83 rose to level H (FIG. 5). This level H is 1 to 2 mm above the level of the tip 261 of the probe nozzle.
After the gear ring 312 has stopped in its upper position, the actuator 310 moves the nozzle tip 261 by at least 0.1
Stay below level H for seconds. After this time has passed,
The signal D3 is output by the up-down solenoid control circuit 370.
is removed from winding 372 of up-down solenoid 232. In response to removal of this signal, spring 237 acts rapidly to move the probe upwardly and away from the test fluid in compartment 83. Signal D4 is then removed from winding 378 of rotary solenoid 250. In response to removal of this signal, actuation of spring 246 moves the probe holder away from the acupoint to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 9 above the test tube. At this point, the dispenser is ready for the next cycling operation as soon as the other test tube and pot compartments are moved to the dispensing position by the circulator. Analyzer: Referring to FIGS. 5 and 20-22, an analyzer 400 includes a generator that includes a light source 402 with a filament 404 that generates light in the visible and ultraviolet spectra.

The light source is held within socket 401 by spring 403 and index plate 405. The light source is light tube 156
and to lenses 406 , 407 which concentrate the light via a mirror 408 onto an annular filter 412 located on a disk 410 and to a rectifier ring of the disk 410 . The disk 410 rotates around an axis 411 located at its center. ．． As best shown in FIG. 20, the filter 412 consists of a pair of filter segments 414, which are displaced from each other by 180 degrees in an arc of a circle.
416.

Segments 414, 416 are identical and transmit radiant energy only in a specific wavelength L1 area.
Filter 412 also includes a pair of filter segments 418, 420 that are displaced from each other by 180 degrees in a circular arc.
It is equipped with These filter segments are also identical and transmit radiation energy only in the area of other wavelengths L2. Additionally, the filter 412 includes a pair of filter segments 42 that are displaced from each other by 180 degrees in a circular arc.
It is equipped with 2,424. Segments 422, 424 are identical and transmit radiant energy only in the area of the third wavelength L3. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the filter segments described above are typically adapted to transmit radiant energy in a narrow frequency band in the region of wavelengths L1-L3. However, for the sake of clarity, these filter segments are referred to herein as having a precise wavelength L.
It is described as transmitting radiant energy only in L1 to L3. Filter 412 is designed such that wavelengths of radiant energy that are passed by one pair of filter segments are not passed by another pair of filter segments.

Filter 412 also includes opaque segments 426-429 that prevent light transmission and establish a zero radiation reference level. In order to use the filter 412 appropriately, the wavelength L1-
The selection of L3 must depend on the radiant energy absorption characteristics of the particular material being analyzed. The method of selecting the wavelengths of these filters is schematically described in Figure 21, where curve A shows the absorption characteristics of the material being analyzed and curves B and C generally represent the absorption characteristics of the material in the specimen. The absorption properties of other substances present with A are shown. Applicants have discovered that the difficulties normally encountered in the analysis of substance A, due to the absorptive properties of substances B and C, result in the selection of wavelength L1 so as to be located more or less in the middle of the absorption band of substance A. materially removed.

When selecting the wavelength L2, it should be smaller than L1 and placed substantially outside the absorption band of the substance A. When selecting the wavelength L3, it should be larger than I, l, and should be located substantially outside the absorption band of the substance A. Those skilled in the art will understand that the absorption band of substance A is substantially the area D in FIG.
I can understand what is there. Absorption curves for most commonly analyzed substances are well known and available from the chemical literature.

A person skilled in chemical technology will usually be able to find out the absorption curve of the substance to be analyzed and therefore determine the appropriate wavelength L1-L.
3 can be determined without difficulty. For example, when a chemist wants to measure total protein from a blood sample, L1
is typically in the region of 545 nanometers, and L2 is approximately 5
00 nanometers, and L3 is approximately 600 nanometers. Applicants have also discovered that the use of multiple wavelengths of radiant energy reduces test specimen turbulence effects, test specimen air bubbles, and pot optical defects.

In a dichroic device, L1 is selected at a wavelength such that the absorption coefficients of substances A and B are substantially different, and L2 is selected at a wavelength such that the absorption coefficients of substances A and B are substantially the same.
Sometimes it is advantageous to choose.

Returning to FIG. 20, disk 410 also includes filter 4
A rectifying ring 430 is provided on the disk 410 outside the area of 12.

The rectifying ring includes a pair of slits 432 and 434, each of which is connected to a filter segment 414.
, 416, both of which lie on a common circle concentric with the axis 411. The rectifier ring 430 also includes a pair of slits 436, 438 located opposite the filter segments 418, 420, both on a common circle concentric with the axis 411. Rectifier ring 43
0 further includes a pair of slits 440, 442 located opposite filter segments 422, 424, respectively, both on a common circle concentric with axis 411. As shown in FIG. 20, each of the circles with pairs of slits has a different radius so that the pairs of slits are radially displaced from each other. light source 40
Light from 2 shines upwardly through pairs of slits and enters three phototransistors that are juxtaposed with a circle provided with various pairs of slits.

That is, each phototransistor receives light from each pair of slits, but not from an adjacent slit. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, phototransistor 443a is positioned so that it can receive illumination from slits 432 and 434, and phototransistor 443b is positioned so that it can receive illumination from slits 436 and 438. and phototransistor 4
43c is located so that it can receive illumination from slits 440 and 442. The disk 410 is rotated in the direction of arrow E (FIG. 20) by a motor gear unit 444 (FIG. 5), which unit is rotated via a magnetic coupling 448 and bearings 450, 452 at 1111144.
Rotate 6.

Unit 444 has gears to rotate disk 410 at approximately 1800 rpm. As filter 412 rotates, light from light source 402 passes through the filter to generate a beam of light along a single path 454.

This beam consists of circular pulses of light of a single color. A complete one-cycle pulse is shown in FIG. 22 as pulses P1, P2 and P3. Filter segment 42
An interval 11 formed by 6 or 428 separates pulse P1 from pulse P2. Similarly, interval 12 formed by filter segment 427 or 429 (and thus pulse P3
is separated from pulse P1 of each cycle. light source 4
A single pass, single color pulse of light generated by the 02 and filter passes through each specimen being analyzed.

For example, if compartment 83 of tube 30 is placed in the analysis position shown in FIG. 5, the pulse passes through lens 456, is reflected from mirror 457, and is transmitted through heated bath 124. The pulse is then applied to the planar portion 9 of the acupoint 30.
8. Test specimen in compartment 83, flat part 100, bathroom 12
4, a mirror 458 and another lens 460 which directs the transmitted pulses to a filter 4 displaced 180 degrees from the filter section that generated the pulses.
It concentrates on 12 parts. The same segment of the corresponding filter is replaced by a circular arc by 180 degrees, so that each pulse is filtered by the same filter before it enters the test specimen and after it leaves the test specimen. Ru. This arrangement provides a means of compensating for radiation transmitted through the specimen. For example, a photon passing through segment 414 also passes through corresponding segment 416. As a result, abnormal wavelengths of light that occur during the passage of the pulse through the specimen are eliminated, thereby avoiding possible errors in the analysis of the specimen. As described in Applicant's US Pat. No. 3,512,889, dispersing the beam of light before and after it passes through the specimen allows the device to be used in ambient light conditions. After passing through a filter 412, the pulses transmitted from the specimen are transmitted into a photomultiplier transducer tube 462, where the pulses transmitted through the specimen at wavelengths 1-1 and 3 are detected. sequentially generate electrical pulse signals having values proportional to the intensity of the pulses.

That is, the tube 462 generates on its output conductor 470 an electrical pulse signal having a voltage waveform corresponding to pulses P1-P3 in each cycle. Electronic equipment for analyzing the electrical pulse signals produced by the photomultiplier 462 is generally located in the twenty-third section, along with processing circuitry that controls the operation of the entire device or system.
As shown in the figure.

More specifically, the pulse signal generated on conductor 470 is transmitted to signal amplifier 4 which is controlled by bias amplifier 482.
80. Moreover, this signal amplifier 480
The output of the servo amplifier 484 is connected to one input of the servo amplifier 484, and the other input of the servo amplifier is provided with a reference voltage supply 486. A servo amplifier 484 is connected to a photomultiplier 462 to control the output of a servo high voltage supply 488, and a servo amplifier 484 compares the signal from the amplifier 480 to the E supply.

If the signal produced at the output of amplifier 80 is sufficiently weak, high voltage supply 488 will cause photomultiplier 462 to
70 to increase the magnitude of the signal appearing at 70. The output of amplifier 480 is also passed through low pass filters 490-49.
It is electrically connected to the ratio circuit consisting of 2.

The inputs of these filters are connected via detection circuit 493 to phototransistors 443a-443c.
The detection circuit receives information signals from transistors 443a-443c, and filters 490-492 receive optical pulses P1-
It is possible to pass an electric pulse signal corresponding to only one of P3. More specifically, the detection circuit 4
93, the filter 49 only during the presence of the light pulse P1.
0 can send a pulse signal to conductor 494. Similarly, only during the presence of pulses P2 and P3, filters 491 and 492 can send pulse signals to conductors 495 and 496, respectively. The result is a DC signal on conductors 494-496 having a magnitude proportional to the intensity of light pulses P1-P3, respectively. Conductor 49
The DC signals generated at 5 and 496 are transmitted to adder circuit 498. This circuit 498 includes an adjustable potentiometer 499 controlled by a knob 500 mounted on a console 502 (FIG. 1). Circuit 498 also includes a bias resistor 503 through which conductor 49
A sum of a predetermined percentage of the signals generated at 5,496 is transmitted to conductor 504. Conductors 494 and 504 are connected to conductors 508 and 509, respectively, via adjustment circuit 506. The DC voltage appearing on conductors 508 and 509 is conducted to a log ratio meter. The log ratio meter consists of comparators 510 and 512. Voltage from resistive capacitive timing circuit 514 is also provided to these comparators. timing circuit 51
4 is fixed resistance 516, 518 and fixed capacitor 52
It consists of 0. This circuit also connects console 502
(FIG. 1) controlled by a knob 522 attached to the
An adjustable potentiometer 521 is provided. Device 5 described below
23 is for supplying a charging pulse to capacitor 520 along conductor 524 through diode 525 in order to charge capacitor 520 to a predetermined negative voltage.
The negative voltage is large enough that during the presence of the charging pulse, conductor 5
08 and 509 are biased below ground potential. At the end of the charging pulse, the voltage on the conductor changes monotonically. More specifically, it drops exponentially towards ground potential.
Generally, conductor 509 reaches ground potential before conductor 508. As soon as conductor 509 reaches ground potential, comparator 5
12 generates a pulse that switches the flip-flop circuit 527 to its "1" state, thereby causing the exclusive 0
R gate 528 is caused to generate an analysis signal. The analysis signal is automatically converted to digital form by converter circuit 529, which includes a flip-flop circuit 530, a crystal-controlled pulse generator 532 that generates pulses at a rate of 200 KC, and an up-down gate. It consists of 534. When the analysis signal is generated, it switches the flip-flop 530 to its "1" state so that the pulse from the generator 532 is applied to the up-down gate 53.
4 and counted by counter 536. When conductor 508 reaches ground potential, comparator 510 generates a pulse that causes flip-flop circuit 526 to
] state, gate 528 returns to its original state, thereby terminating the analysis signal. This prevents additional pulses from entering counter 536. It can be seen that the duration of the analytical signal is proportional to the concentration of substance A in the specimen being analyzed.

Furthermore, by using the circuit described above, the number of pulses counted by counter 536 can be calculated using the formula 10gJP2
+KP3. Here, Pl, IjPP2, and P3 represent the magnitudes of pulses Pl, P2, and P3, respectively.

By choosing the constants J, Kl and L appropriately, the output can be read directly in the desired units, for example in international units of /l. By using said circuit, interfering substances B and C can be compensated automatically without physically separating them from substance A. Furthermore, since the specimen is analyzed in situ, compensation can be achieved while substance A is reacting. Processing Circuit Still referring to FIG. 23, processing circuit 540, which controls the logic of the entire system, can operate in either an Updating mode or an Operating mode, which is used for coordination.

These modes are controlled by update selection circuit 544 and operating selection circuit 548. This update selection circuit 544 is actuated via an instantaneous update switch 546, and the operating selection circuit 54
8 is actuated via instantaneous start switch 550 and instantaneous stop switch 552. These circuits are electrically interlocked so that neither can be used at the same time. In update mode, the analyzer takes readings and sends them every second as normal
ie) Display on a display device. As shown in FIG.
It consists of a section 582 that displays /l'' or international units, and a section 582a that displays the operating rotational speed of the force row cell. The identification code is displayed via decoder 574. This decoder consists of the cylindrical skirt 13 of the force row cell.
Coat 2: Receives signals from five phototransistors 154 located behind the set of holes. In normal operating mode, master clock 542 sends a start pulse at regular intervals, for example, every 9.375 seconds, every 15 seconds, every 18.75 seconds, every 30 seconds, or every 37 seconds.
Sends every 5 seconds.

Time selector 556 selects the desired start pulse to cycle the force low cell once every 5, 10, or 20 minutes.
Rotate. This selection can be made by a knob 558 on console 502 that controls five point switch 557. The selected start pulse is the time selector 5.
56 to a series of gates 560.

These gates are connected to the storage device 5 in order to perform the following operations.
62, controls the operations of the display device 563, printer 564, and pulse counter 536. (1) Slow reaction quantification, (2) rapid reaction quantification, and (3) endpoint quantification gate 560 actuation is also coupled to console knob 571 by an up-down switch 568 coupled to console knob 569. The speed is controlled by a speed-to-end switch 570.

Printer 564 is of a conventional type and is capable of printing information on a roll of paper 585. A predetermined identification code received from a particular code hole in the cylindrical skirt 132 causes the revolution counter 566 to be energized only once during each cycle of the force low cell. This information is NAND
Decoded by gate 656b7. This revolution counter energizes a revolution selection circuit 572 which is controlled by a knob 573 on the console. Knob 573 can be adjusted to dynamically stop the device force phase after a predetermined 1 out of 2-4 rotations of the force row cell. The printer and display are operated by binary signals to BDC decoder 574 shown in FIG.

By using master clocks, gates and revolution counters of the type shown herein, Applicants have invented a processing circuit which provides the highest possible operational resiliency with a minimum of circuit elements. can.

Using a design with this feature, Applicants were able to use essentially the same circuit to perform several different types of analysis. A preferred despenser control circuit 360 is illustrated in detail in FIG.

Similarly, preferred embodiments of analysis device 400, processing circuitry 540, and storage device 562 are illustrated in FIGS. 24-35. Reference numerals are used in each of FIG. 18 and FIGS. 24-35 to identify elements of the type listed in Table A below. Table A Reference Numbers Element Names 604 Resistor Other reference numbers are used in Figures 18 and 24-35 to identify the elements listed in Table B below.

In addition to the above, all conductors in FIGS. 18 and 24-35 are designated by numbers 700 through 799.

Conductors with the same sign are connected to each other. NAND shown
, NOR and 0R gates are normal logic gates,
In response to voltages communicated to their input terminals, they produce one of two voltage levels at their output terminals.

When switching to the "1" state, the gate will generate a relatively high voltage at its output terminal, and then when switching to the zero state, the gate will generate a relatively low voltage at its output terminal. Operating the Device A. Operation in Update and Adjustment Modes To operate the device or system in update mode, the operator presses switch 577 on console 502 to energize the power supply (not shown). .

This power supply is connected to all electrical devices and supplies the various DC and AC voltages shown. especially,
The power supply energizes the motor 444 to rotate the filter disk 410 in the manner described above. In addition, the power supply device generates ultraviolet and visible light by means of a light source 402. As a result, light pulses are continuously transmitted into a single optical path 454 through the specimen held in the crucible compartment located at the analysis location. For example, as shown in FIG.
transmitted via. As previously mentioned, the light pulse transmitted through the specimen in the analysis position is transmitted through the photomultiplier tube 462 (
23) into a corresponding electrical signal. The electrical signals are then detected, processed and summed by elements of comparator circuit 489. As a result, comparator 510
and 512, the DC signal is transmitted to conductor 508
and 509 occur consecutively. However, these signals are not actually compared to generate an analysis signal on conductor 702 until charging pulse source 523 is energized by gate 560. To operate the system in update mode, update switch 546 (third
(Fig. 0) is closed instantaneously.

This activates the update selector 544.
Basically, the update selector allows data for a single test specimen held in the analysis position to be generated and displayed approximately once every second. As shown in FIG. 30, update selector 544 prevents clock 542 from counting sufficiently to provide a start pulse, thus preventing normal operation. 30th
As shown, update selector 544 has two N
Consists of OR gates 670a8 and 670b8. When update switch 546 is momentarily closed and then opened, gate 670b8 is switched to its zero state and gate 670b8 is switched to its zero state.
70a8 is switched to its "l" state. This operation, in turn, switches gate 617a8 to its zero state and switches gate 680a8 to its "1" state. NOR gate 670a8 switches to its "1" state. This causes transistor 610a8 to conduct, thereby igniting update bulb 580. When the system begins to operate, a single signal, a 24 volt, 60 cycle AC signal, is introduced from signal source 576 to clock 542. Clock 542 is a 12-stage binary counter or frequency divider, with each stage producing a pulse at its Q output with half the frequency of the input pulse at the C input. The Q output produces a relatively low voltage so that each stage is in its zero state. When any stage receives the first positive pulse at its C input, its Q output is switched to a relatively high voltage. That step is that “
1” state. When a stage receives a second positive pulse at its C input, the stage returns to the zero state. As soon as the clock counts through the five stages, NAND gate 637a9
(FIG. 31) is switched to its zero state. Thereby, NAND gates 677a11 and 656a11
are switched to their "1" state (FIG. 33). As a result, signals S1 and S2 (FIG. 36) are produced on output conductors 706 and 708, respectively. In response to signal S1, each of the counter modules of counter 536 is set to a zero value, and in response to signal S2, charging pulse source 523 causes timing capacitor 520 to be set to a negative voltage (
(Fig. 23). As a result, comparators 510 and 512 compare the magnitudes of the electrical signals produced by the generators to provide analytical signals to conductor 702. As previously described, the analysis signal is converted into a series of digital pulses by pulse generator 532 and gamma down-down gate 534. This pulse is then sent to counter 5
36, and the result is displayed on the display device 563. Clock 542 then outputs NOR gate 68.
The operating cycle begins again through 0R gate 384a9 (FIG. 31), which is locked in its "1" state by 0a8. As a result, display 563
displays a value proportional to the concentration of the test specimen held at the analysis position approximately once every second. To adjust the system during operation in the gamma update mode, the operator operates switch 58.
Calculate button 584 (Fig. 1) which activates 3 (Fig. 25).
Press.

By pressing this calculation button, the switch 583 moves the wipers 626a3 and 626b3 from the position shown in FIG.
are moved to a position where they are brought into contact with contacts 624a3 and 624b3, respectively.

The values of resistors 604ff3-604113 are calculated so that the combined voltage across the four switch contacts is in the ratio 0.7943:1, which corresponds to one unit of absorption. After pressing the calculate button, variable resistor 521 (FIG. 26) is adjusted until the counter output reads 100.
Alternatively, a reference test specimen with a known concentration can be placed at the analysis location. In this case, either the calculate button is not activated or the resistor 521 is adjusted until the counter reading corresponds to the known concentration of the reference test analyte. It is done by folding. The test specimen, which is substantially free of the particular interfering substance, is moved to the analysis position and the counter reading is recorded. The specimen with a significant amount of interfering material is then moved to the analysis position and the potentiometer 499 is adjusted until the reading on the counter is identical to the count obtained with the specimen without interfering material. Those skilled in the art are aware of additional analytical methods for configuring potentiometer 449 by examining absorption curves for various substances within a test body. In addition to the adjustments described above, an adjustable resistor 604113 (Figure 25) is used to "zero" the system.

To perform this zero adjustment, a blank specimen, for example water, is moved to the analysis position and the output of the counter is recorded. Then, adjust the resistor 604113 to make the counter output zero.

By making this adjustment, conductors 508 and 509
The voltage levels of are made the same so that compensators 510 and 512 produce output pulses at the same time. As a result, there will be no pulses to counter 536 and the system will properly zero. B. Operation of Quantification of Slow Reactions One of the features of the present invention is that the reaction rates occurring in a large number of specimens can be determined and recorded simultaneously, reducing the overall time required to complete the analysis. be.

To carry out this mode of operation, the operator must insert a
Place test tubes containing several separate samples.

As shown in FIG. 5, the operator must place the test tubes so that the liquid level in each test tube is aligned with the top surface of the horizontal ring member 136. do not have.

The test tube is attached to a spring clip such as clip 143,1.
44 in these positions.

Of course, a suitable reagent solution must be placed in the reagent reservoir 272. Referring to FIG. 30, after positioning the test tube in the force cell, the start switch 55 is turned on.
0 is momentarily closed and then opened, which causes NOR gate 680a8 to go to the zero state and NOR gate 61
7a8 is switched to the "1" state.

As a result, transistor 610c8 is switched to its conducting state and current flows through running light 578.

The operator further sets the speed one end point switch 570 to the speed position,
And move the up-down switch 568 to the up position.

The reaction rates of the 32 samples in FIG. 23 are basically determined as follows.

Clock 542 sends its start pulses at intervals of 9.375 seconds, 18.75 seconds, and 37.5 seconds, resulting in the force row cells rotating every 5, 10, or 20 minutes, respectively. In this way, the time selection switch 557
By sending an appropriate start pulse through the oscilloscope, the operator can control the speed at which the force row cell rotates.

Upon receiving the start pulse, gate 560 can generate the output pulse shown in FIG.

However, while the power row cell is rotating at a certain speed, some of the output pulses are stopped. Power row cell 1st
At the time of rotation, the display device 563 and printer 564
As far as the operator is aware, only the dispenser is deenergized so that it is functioning.

As each test tube advances to the position below the probe body 260 (analysis position), a dispensing pulse S7 is sent to the dispenser where the sample liquid in the test tube is mixed with the reagent liquid and the sample liquid in the test tube is mixed with the reagent liquid in the corresponding vibrator compartment as described above. distributed to.

At the end of the first rotation of the force row cell, each of the acupoint compartments is filled with the specimen to be analyzed in the manner previously described. During the second revolution, the dispenser stops and so does the printer.

The value of the analysis signal obtained as each specimen enters the analysis position is written to storage device 562 at the address given to the specimen by the code hole set corresponding to that specimen. This value and the corresponding address are also displayed on display 563. More specifically, the identification code of the specimen being analyzed at any time is displayed on specimen indicator 581, and the concentration of the desired substance in the specimen (also displayed on unit indicator 582) is displayed on specimen indicator 581. Both indicators are provided on the console 502. By performing this mode of operation, the operator can observe the values written in the storage device 562 except for positions where test tubes or test specimens are not placed. The display and printer are always stopped in the position of the force row cell where no test tube is placed.On the third rotation of the force row cell, the dispenser is stopped, but other than that shown in FIG. All functions are working.

In the third rotation, gate 560 causes the next stage of operation to occur in sequence. (1) Counter 536 is reset to zero value.

(2) The value stored in the storage device 562 during the previous rotation corresponding to the specimen placed in the analysis position is read from the storage device and loaded into the counter 536 in up-count mode. (3) Circuit 523 is energized so that the analyzer generates a first analysis signal corresponding to the current value of the specimen in the analysis position.

(4) The value of the first analysis signal is converted into digital form and enters the counter 536 in down-counting mode and is subtracted from the value obtained from the storage device 562 to obtain the residual value.

(5) The remaining value is displayed on the display device 563 and printed by the printer 564.

(6) Counter 536 is reset to zero value again.

(7) Circuit 523 is re-energized to generate a second analysis signal corresponding to the same specimen at the analysis position.

(8) The value of the second analysis signal is converted into digital form and entered into the counter 536 in up-count mode. (9) The value of the counter 536 is stored in the storage device 562 at the address specified for the test specimen at the analysis position Loaded.

QO) Circulator 168 is energized and subsequent specimens are moved to analysis position.

The above motion citals continue until each test specimen is analyzed during the third rotation of the force row cell.

The above operation is performed by the rotation selection circuit, that is, the time selection switch 57.
By position 2, it is possible to continue during the fourth or more revolutions of the force row cell, thus making it possible to verify the analytical results and prove the linearity of the reaction rate. If circuit 572 is set to end the analysis at the end of three force row cell revolutions, operating selector 548 is switched to stop at the end of the third revolution and the bell rings. , notifies the operator that the analysis has been completed.

The operation of the apparatus for quantifying slow reactions will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 30-38.

As already mentioned, start switch 550 (Figure 30)
is momentarily closed and switch 570 is moved to its speed position.

By moving switch 570 to its speed position, wiper 626b11 is moved into contact with contact 624c11 (FIG. 33), causing wipers 626a5 and 626b11 to move into contact with contact 624c11 (FIG. 33).
b5 are contacts 624c5 and 624d5 (27th
(Fig.) is moved so as to touch it.

For reactions in which the substance of interest progressively increases its density, switch 568 is moved to its UP position (i.e., the position shown in Figure 33) and the value is transferred from storage to the UP Count mode. is read into the counter.

For the opposite reaction, switch 568 must be moved to the down position. Additionally, the operator positions switch 557 (FIG. 35) such that the force row cell requires 5, 10, or 20 minutes to complete one rotation.

Switch 557 is set to 5 minute position, wiper 62
6a13-626d13 are contacts 557a-55 respectively
7d (FIG. 35) in the following explanation. The operator further selects the rotation selection circuit 57.
2 to determine the number of revolutions at which the force row cell moves.

The following discussion assumes that the circuit is set to terminate the analysis after three revolutions. To achieve this result, wipers 626a10-626c10 each
d-572f (Figure 32). When the above switch is in the position shown, clock 542 (FIG. 31) sends a 60 cycle signal to power supply 57.
6 (FIG. 30) and counted in the manner previously described.

The clock continues counting until NAND gate 637b9 (FIG. 31) is switched to the zero state. This condition has been 9.375 seconds since the clock began its counting cycle.
Occurs in seconds.

At this point, the negative pulse is applied to NOR gate 680a13.
is sent through switch 557 (FIG. 35), and this gate is switched to the zero state. In response to this signal,
NOR gate 680c13 is switched to a zero state, thereby causing the negative start pulse on conductor 762 to pass through gate 560.
send to If switch 557 is in the 10 minute or 20 minute position, the operation will be similar, since NOR gate 680b13 is closed when switch 557 is in the 5, 10, or 20 minute position. be.
The negative start pulse sent to conductor 762 also connects conductor 74
0R gate 684a8 (Figure 30) and N
The clock is reset through AND gate 656a8.

More specifically, 0R gate 684a8 is switched to a "1" state at the trailing edge of the start pulse, which switches NAND gate 656a8 to a zero state. As a result, the clock is reset to zero value and immediately
Start counting over two cycles. In FIG. 33, gates 560 respond to a negative start pulse sent to conductor 762 and, if some of the gates are not de-energized during various rotations of the force row cell, the signals shown in FIG. each will occur.

If these gates were not deenergized, a pulse would occur as follows. When a negative start pulse is received from conductor 762, signals S1 and S2 each become NA.
It is immediately generated through ND gates 677a11 and 656a11.

In response to receiving the start pulse, NAND gate 687
a11 is switched to the “1” state, and the NAND gate 68
7b11 is switched to the zero state.

As a result, a negative up-down signal S5 is transmitted to conductor B1 and further to up-down switch 568. As soon as the fifth stage of clock 542 (ie, flip-flop circuit 622e9) is switched to the "1" state (FIG. 31), NAND gates 687a11 and 687b are activated.
11 (Fig. 33) is reversed, and this causes the situation in Fig. 36 to be reversed.
The polarity of the signal S5 shown in the figure changes.

This switching is also performed by the 0R gate 684b11 and the NAND
A print signal S4 is generated via gate 677b11.

In addition, switching NAND gates 687a11 and 687b11 switches NAND gate 687c11 to the [1] state and NAND gate 687d11 to the zero state.

Thereafter, the fifth and sixth stages of clock 542 (i.e.
The flip-flop circuits 622e9 and 622f9) are [1
” state (FIG. 31), the NOR gate 6
80a11 (FIG. 33) is switched to the "1" state, which switches NAND gate 637a11 to the zero state. The output of NAND gate 637a11 then sends a negative pulse to NAND gate 677a11, which causes another counter reset signal S1 shown in FIG. 36 to be generated. Similarly, the negative pulse from NAND gate 637a11 switches NAND gate 656a11 to the "1" state, causing another timing charge pulse S2 shown in FIG.
stage (i.e., flip-flop circuit 622g9) is
1] state, the NAND gate 687c
11 is switched to zero state, NAND gate 687d]
1 is switched to the [1] state. As a result, a negative write enable pulse S6 is generated on conductor 711 shown in FIG. The write pulse sends a distributed pulse S7 to conductor 713 and conductor 7
gate 6 to generate an auxiliary distribution pulse S8 at 14
70a11, 687e11, 680b11, and 680c
Try 11. In FIG. 34, a negative write pulse S6 is also transmitted from conductor L1 to NOR gate 617a12, which connects transistor 610b12 and transistor 610b12.
A forward pulse S9 shown in FIG. 36 is generated through 16a12.

As shown in FIG. 36, after generating each of signals S1-S9, NAND gate 637b9 (FIG. 31) is again switched to the zero position to generate a start pulse that produces another cycle of signals S1-S9. Gate 5!0 until
has become impossible.

In FIG. 34, as soon as the start switch 550 is closed, a positive signal is sent to conductor C1 and the rotation counter 5
Resets all 66 flip-flops.

Rotation counter 566 is a ring counter that is switched between the O stage (ie, flip-flop 622a12) or the zero state (ie, with a Q output that produces a relatively low voltage) when the counter is reset. All other stages 1-5 are switched to the "1" state. Whenever a negative pulse is received on conductor 764, the stage in the zero state switches to the "l" state.
' state and the next sequential stage is switched to the zero state. Each rotation of the force row cell is a NAND gate 656b7.
(FIG. 29) ends in a position opposite the code hole set that switches the zero state, so that after the reset pulse is received, the counter is immediately advanced to stage 1 and the flip-flop 622
b12 is switched to the zero state. The power row cell is completely
At the end of rotation, NAND gate 656b7 is again switched to the zero state and flip-flop 622c12 is switched to the zero state. The actual pulses generated by gate 560 during three rotations of the force low cell for quantifying slow responses are shown in Figure 37a. During the first revolution, stage 1 of the revolution counter is in the zero state. the result,
37a, each of the signals already mentioned except print signal S4 is generated. In FIG. 30, the print signal and display device are connected to NAND gate 687a8 and NAND gate 687a8.
It is deenergized by the revolution counter through OR gate 680d8.

During the first rotation, both the printer and display are de-energized, so the operator is only concerned with operating the dispenser. In FIG. 30, distribution signal S7
is generated by the revolution counter through NOR gate 670a11.

As previously mentioned, after receiving each dispense signal, the dispenser mixes the sample fluid from each test tube with the reagent fluid in reservoir 272 and deposits a predetermined amount of each fluid into the corresponding crucible compartment. After loading the test specimen into the acupoint compartment, a dispensing and advance pulse is generated simultaneously and the next compartment is rotated to the analysis position and filled. As a result, at the end of one revolution of the force row cell, each of the acupoint compartments is filled with the specimen to be analyzed. If the test tube is removed from any position above the force low cell, the distribution signal S7 is connected to the mercury switch 166 and the NAND gate 687b8.
(FIG. 30), the force row cell automatically advances to the next test tube location.

As mentioned above, the mercury switch 166 is placed in a position forward of the analysis position to allow more time for dispenser operation.

As a result, if a test tube were not present, when the force row cell was advanced to the analysis position, the device would display display 563.
The missing test tube must be remembered in order to power down the printer 564. This mode of operation is achieved by flip-flop circuits 622a10 and 622b10.
This is achieved by (Fig. 32). These flip-flops have a NAND gate 68 to perform the power reduction function.
7a8 (Figure 30). During the second rotation of the force row cell, print signal S4 is deenergized via switch contact 624c11 (Figure 33). However, a zero state input or switching to stage 2 of revolution counter 566 is removed from NAND gate 687a8 (FIG. 30), so display 563 is activated. The distribution signal is also stopped by removing the zero state signal from input conductor 1RC0 of NOR gate 670a11 (FIG. 33). During the second rotation of the force row cell, the test. Each of the specimens is analyzed and the specimen values are entered into storage 562. This operation is accomplished by the series of pulses S1 shown in FIG.
- Achieved via S9. Once the specimen is in the analysis position, its identification code is read by phototransistor 154 and transmitted to conductors 716-720 (FIG. 27). Next, this code is 0R gate 684a5
-684e5 to each storage module 644, and the value of the specimen is entered into the storage device in association with its unique identification code. Another series of signals S1-S9 is generated for each test specimen that enters the analysis position during the second rotation of the force row cell.

When signal S1 is generated for the second time as shown in FIG. 37b, each counter module 636 connects to conductor 706.
Cleared by a positive signal sent through (FIGS. 27 and 28). When signal S2 is generated for the second time, circuit 523 (FIG. 26) is energized and an analysis signal is generated on conductor 702. During this time, signal S5 is in the "l" state so NAND gate 677b5 (FIG. 27) is activated and a pulse is sent from pulse generator 532 to counter module 636 through conductor 770. As a result, counter module 636 counts pulses in up-counting mode and the resulting value is displayed by display device 563. When signal S6 is sent through conductor 711, the value of the counter module is sent to storage module 644 in association with the identification code of the test object. At the same time, an advance pulse S9 is sent to solenoid 170 to move the next specimen to the analysis position in the manner described above. In this way,
At the end of the second rotation, the values for each specimen are stored in storage module 644. At the end of the second rotation, the rotation counter advances to the third stage, the zero state signal is removed from switch contact 624c11 (FIG. 33), and print pulse S4 is generated by operating NAND gate 677b11. Ru.

During the third rotation, gate 560 is activated with a series of pulses S1 as shown in FIG. 37C for each specimen being analyzed.
- Generate S9.

As soon as the specimen is placed in the analysis position, the code hole corresponding to the specimen is read by phototransistor 154 (FIG. 23). The identification code produced by these phototransistors is passed through conductors 716-720 to inverter 614a5 and OR gate 684a5-
684e5 (FIG. 27) to each storage module 64.
Sent to 4. As soon as the start pulse is received by gate 560, a counter reset pulse S1 is applied to conductor 706 to clear each of the counter modules to a zero value.
sent through. At the same time, a read pulse S3 having a duration longer than the pulse S1 is sent through the conductor 707, and after the end of the pulse S1 the value recorded in the storage module for the corresponding identification code is sent to the counter module 6.
36. Another feature of simultaneous signal return is achieved through the wiper at the bottom of rotation selection circuit 572. Wiper 626c10 is connected to contact 572c (32nd
NAND gate 656b7 (FIG. 29) is locked when the revolution counter advances to the fourth stage by contacting NAND gate 656b7 (FIG. 29). Thus, the force row cell continues to rotate until switch 552 is actuated. C. Rapid Reaction Quantification By moving operation switch 557 (FIG. 35) to the 15 second or 30 second positions, the instrument analyzes rapidly occurring reactions.

In the following, the switch 557 is moved and the wiper 62
6a13 "626d13 are respectively contact points 557m-5
57p. When the switch is in this position, the first rotation of the force row cell is completed in exactly the same manner as described above, as if switch 557 were in the 5 minute position. As a result, during the first revolution, the dispenser delivers liquid from each test tube into two corresponding tube compartments in the manner described above. Third
Referring to FIG. 5, when the revolution counter advances to the second stage at the end of the first revolution, the gate 680a13
is not activated, gate 680b13 is activated, and flip-flop circuits 622a13 and 622b13 are also activated.

These flip-flop circuits include conventional binary counters that stop the advance mechanism by NOR gate 680d13 and transistor 610a13 until the circuit receives four pulses. , during the second rotation, every 15 seconds NAND gate 637a13 forms a pulse that is gated through gates 680b13 and 680c13 to generate a start pulse. This start pulse causes the forward pulse to stop and the auxiliary distributor to start. The same signal as shown in FIG. 37C is generated, except that pulse S8 is generated. In this way, one additional step is required to generate the initial start pulse.
One specimen is advanced to the analysis position and the tricar substance is distributed throughout the specimen to cause a rapid reaction. Dispensing of the tricar substance takes place via an auxiliary dispenser (not shown) configured similarly to dispenser 200. The dispenser 200 reads the identification code to switch in the same way as it is energized by the dispense signal S7. This operates 0R gate 684f5 and reads the blank sample value into the storage module. At position 1, NAND gate 637a5 is 0R gate 684a
11 and therefore no read pulse S3 is generated. Thus, at position 1, the pulse shown in Figure 38b is generated to write the current value of the blank specimen into the storage module. During the second rotation in any position other than position 1, the gate 560
Signals S1-S9 are generated as shown in the figure.

As each specimen is moved to the analysis position, the counter module is cleared to a zero value by signal S1, and the blank specimen value stored in storage module 644 is cleared to the counter module by signal S3. Loaded on Yule 636. Then, at 4pm, the charge signal S2 activates the analyzer to generate an analysis signal. During endpoint quantification, the up-down gate 534 is locked into the up-count mode so that the value of the specimen in the analysis position is subtracted from the value of the blank specimen to provide the residual value in the counter module. This remaining value is displayed on the display device 5.63 and printed by the printer 564 in response to the print signal S4. Advance pulse S9 then moves the next specimen to the analysis position where its value is again compared to that of the blank specimen. At the beginning of the third rotation, the blank specimen at position 1 will again be analyzed and have the values written to the storage module via gates 637b5 and 624b5 (FIG. 27). Then, when the third rotation begins, the values of the other specimens are compared to the corrected values of the blank specimen in the same manner as during the second rotation. Of course, the end point quantification is carried out using distilled water as a blank test specimen, and in this case, it is only necessary to arrange the apparatus so that the value is printed for each test specimen to be analyzed.

In this respect, this device is particularly valuable. This is because the quantitative determination is performed while the reaction is progressing. This is due to the fact that each specimen is distributed in time periods separated by a specific time interval, and the specimens are analyzed in time periods separated by the same time interval. In the case of slow and rapid reaction quantification, as soon as the force low cell is rotated to the number of revolutions set in the rotation selection circuit 572, the operation selector 5
84 is switched to turn off the device and bell 586 as soon as the force row cell is advanced to a location free of test tubes.

The motion selector 584 is also switched at the end of the rotation if the test tube is located at each force low cell position. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific embodiments described herein may be modified by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit of the claims. You can do it.

Note that embodiments of the present invention are as follows. (1) First
As claimed in the claims, the detection device comprises a gating circuit for branching the signal appearing on the first conductor in response to the gating signal, and a rectifying device for producing the gating signal except during the generation of the first pulse. equipment. (2) The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, and third filter devices comprises a low-pass filter.

(3) The device according to claim 1, wherein the timing device comprises a resistor/capacitor circuit that generates an exponentially changing signal.

(4) The first ratio device is the timing signal and the first D, C1
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which produces a composite signal when the sum of the signals equals zero.

(5) The gate device includes a first flip-flop device connected to the first flip-flop device, a second flip-flop device connected to the second flip-flop device, and an exclusive flip-flop device connected to these first and second flip-flop devices. A device as claimed in the claims, comprising a typical 0R gate.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a vase according to the invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. The elevational view of the vase, FIG. 5, is a partially schematic cross-sectional view showing portions of the vase, force row cell, circulation device, positioning device, and analysis device. FIG. 6 shows a position code device according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partially sectional side view of a force row cell advancement device according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a dispenser according to the present invention, with the dispenser hood and cabinet removed and the probe holder positioned over the test tube of the force flow cell. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG. 8, showing the probe holder positioned above the pot; FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a probe used in conjunction with the dispenser. FIG. 11 is an enlarged elevational view of the probe nozzle used in conjunction with the probe. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the microsyringe shown in FIG. 8. Figure 13 is the 12th
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the circular portion of the figure. FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic view of the syringe and valve shown in FIG. 8, showing its discharge operation state. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the valve shown in FIG. 14, showing its discharge operation state. 16 is an elevational view of a portion of the dispenser shown in FIG. 8; FIG. Figure 16a is a front view of the removable plate of the dispenser. 1st
Figure 6b is a side view similar to Figure 16. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the l section of the apparatus shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the circuit that controls the dispenser. FIG. 19 shows two signal waveforms resulting from the circuit shown in FIG. Second
Figure 0 is a plan view of the filter and rectifier wheel used in conjunction with the analyzer. FIG. 21 is a graph showing the absorption of radiant energy by various materials. FIG. 22 illustrates the intensity of light transmitted from various parts of the filter shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 23 shows the system according to the invention in a schematic block diagram. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of an amplifier used in conjunction with the analyzer. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the detection circuit, filter, and addition circuit used in conjunction with the analyzer. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a ratio device and a gate device used in conjunction with the analysis device. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a converter circuit, a portion of a counter, and a memory circuit used in connection with the present invention. FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a memory and counter circuit for use in connection with the present invention. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of the code decoding circuit. 30-35 are schematic diagrams illustrating portions of processing circuitry used in connection with the present invention. Figures 35a and 35b more clearly illustrate the connections between the circuits shown in Figures 24-35. Figures 36-38 are schematic diagrams illustrating timing signals occurring in the processing circuitry during various operations. 30
...Vase, 50...Cylindrical collar, 1
10...power row cell, 160...cabinet, 168...circulation device, 200...
...Dispenser, 206...Mounting plate,
212... Probing holding body, 260... Probing body, 270... Mixing device, 281...
・Glass body, 312...Gearin, 410・
...Disk, 440...Slit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An automatic measuring device for the concentration of an unknown substance in a test sample; light is absorbed by an unknown substance), (
B) a detection device that detects light of first and second wavelengths and produces an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the light; (C) a first
and (D) a rotating disk capable of rotating about a central axis and having four equally spaced slots along an internal concentric ring: and A pair of filter members L_1, L_1 are fitted into each of the slots of this rotary disk and are mutually displaced by 180° in a circular arc, and spaced apart by 90° with respect to each of the pair of filter members. Two further pairs of filter elements (L_2, L_
2 and L_3, L_3: each pair of L_2 and L_3 is in the same slot and L_2 and L_3 can be of the same type or different types): one filter of the pair of filter members L_1, L_1 in the test position The member directs light of a first wavelength from the light source from below to above the rotating disk and toward the test sample holder, and the other filter member of the pair of filter members L_1, L_1 is directed to the test sample holder. The light of the first wavelength that has passed through is passed from above to below the rotating disk and directed to the detection device,
Then, at a reference position where the rotary disk is rotated by 90 degrees from the above position, at least one element (L_2 or L_3) of one filter member L_2, L_3 of the other two pairs of filter members is 2 wavelengths of light are passed from below to above the rotating disk and directed toward the test holder, and at least one element (L_
(E) light from a light source; (E) light from a light source; (F) a device for directing light to a test sample and a device for directing light from the test sample to a detection device;
(G) a rotating device mounted on a rotating disk for moving the filter assembly between the test position and the reference position; and (G) an analog-to-digital converter for converting the electrical signal from the detecting device into a digital signal. A device characterized by comprising: