Dan J Cutler

US Patent:

52702103, Dec 14, 1993

Filed:

Jul 16, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/916223

Inventors:

Bruce Weyrauch - Newman Lake WA
Leon Schmidt - Spokane WA
Dan Cutler - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Schiapparelli Biosystems, Inc. - Fairfield NJ

International Classification:

G01N 3500
G01N 2100
G01N 3100
G01N 3300

US Classification:

436 43

Abstract:

The automatic chemical analyzer includes a turntable adapted to hold a plurality of disposable cuvettes. An optical system adjacent to the turntable can perform tests on the contents of each cuvette as they are rotated on the turntable. A sample/reagent tray is rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the turntable axis. A common probe arm pivoted about a third parallel axis mounts a pipette that can be moved along an arcuate path intersecting a cuvette access station on the turntable and at least one container access station on the sample/reagent tray for transferring liquids as required by specific test procedures. A wash/alignment station is provided to facilitate flushing on the pipette between liquid deliveries. Combined within it is an alignment plate that checks the radial position of the pipette relative to the probe arm axis and the elevation of the pipette tip relative to the supporting instrument framework. A capacitive sensing system is used to detect liquid level elevations during liquid transfers.

US Patent:

52504409, Oct 5, 1993

Filed:

Jul 16, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/916179

Inventors:

Norman Kelln - Spokane WA
Bruce Weyrauch - Newman Lake WA
James Clark - Spokane WA
Dan Cutler - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Schiapparelli Biosystems, Inc. - Fairfield NJ

International Classification:

G01N 3502
G01N 2100

US Classification:

436 48

Abstract:

The cuvette delivery apparatus for an automatic chemical analyzer includes a magazine that stores multiple stacks of substantially rectangular cuvettes. A ram outwardly adjacent to the magazine moves an exposed cuvette from a selected stack into an awaiting compartment of a turntable. Random access is provided to all stacks within the magazine. A mechanical follower monitors the selected stack and provides stack information for updating of cuvette inventory.