DE2365286A1 - DEVICE FOR CLINICAL ANALYSIS - Google Patents

Description

12/28/1973

B-370

Baxter Laboratories, Inc, - Morton Grove, Illinois,

V.St.A.

Device for clinical analysis

The invention relates to a device for clinical use Analysis, and in particular such a device capable of sequential and substantially simultaneous analysis Monitor various chemical reactions for the presence of certain substances in each of a variety of discrete samples. The invention particularly relates to a rotor assembly of the apparatus which has a Contains transport disc in which the components individually, are each separated from each other, arranged? there is also a cuvette rotor for accommodating the components in a plurality of optical observation chambers is provided. The cuvette rotor contains facilities that so are designed so that they quickly and accurately warm up the reacting components in the chamber and then

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keep the components reacting with each other at the temperature to which they have been warmed up.

A typical device of the type discussed here is the analyzer coupled to a computer known under the Patronage of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the United States Atomic Energy Commission; one such device is under the name GeMSAEC system known. This system works completely automatically to provide a response from time zero to to monitor the entire process. An indication of the total or part of the response can be provided.

For further explanation of the connected electronic devices and e.g. a special discussion of the structure certain embodiments of the transport disk in order to store the mutually reactive materials separately, until they are mixed during operation, reference is made to the following patents: US Pat. No. 3,536,106} US Pat. No. 3,547,547, " U.S. Patent 3,555 * 284; US Pat. No. 3,582,218 and US Pat. No. 3,586,484 issued to Norman G. Anderson and US Pat 3,514,613 issued to Douglas N. MashburnJ all of these patents have been assigned to the United States Atomic Energy Commission. In the following explanation of this it can be assumed that the transport disk can have at least two depressions which are radial to the axis of rotation

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Disc are arranged in each one forming a chamber
Well - separate components are introduced.
A passage also made radially to the axis of rotation
provides a connection between the separate components and a chamber of a cuvette rotor according to the
present invention is called.

Although the GeMSAEC system mentioned above represents a major advance in the field of biochemical and clinical analysis, it has one major drawback
Technology in this area reveals is in this one
So far no attempt has been made to relate
to create facilities in an automated system that warm up the reactants and keep them at a predetermined temperature.

An important application of the device is the performance of chemical analyzes, particularly on clinically essential blood enzymes. The device monitors the optical changes that not only occur when the serum is mixed with it
a special reagent but also during the on it
the following reaction may occur. The optical changes have a stoichiometric relationship with the quantity or extent of the chemical reaction. Dg ^ at all
chemical reactions proceed to the end of the reaction

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and therefore temperature-dependent to achieve equilibrium, must be used when measuring the chemical reaction processes the temperature must be taken into account.

It is particularly important that the components reacting with one another quickly react to the desired Temperature can be brought. In this context, the recording of data and information must begin when the reactants are at the appropriate temperature are located. The measurement of blood enzymes is carried out, by determining the rate at which the enzymes react ^ this reaction will begin as soon as the reaction participants are brought together. In general the maximum time allowed for temperature setting is approximately 60 seconds. According to a preferred Embodiment should be the respondent in about 30 seconds at the set temperature, which can be in a range from e.g. 0 C to 50 C, be. The set temperature of the reactants and the specific absolute temperature at the chemical Responses carried out will be in accordance with an international convention for those considered here Procedure established. For example, most test procedures for a particular chemical analysis start from a specific one absolute temperature of either 25 C, 30 C or 37 C; the examination will be on a temperature of 30 C. different specific absolute temperature

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ä -

leads, the result must be corrected to 30 C.

The invention is therefore based on the object of a To create device of the type indicated above, which offered the possibility of heating According to a In an important aspect of the present invention, the cuvette rotor includes a heater that is in close contact with the surface of each cell forming a cuvette cell Chamber is in which the Realction participants are introduced.

As will be described in detail later, the cuvette rotor can be made of a material having good thermal conductivity are formed in order to thereby quickly take part in heat from the heating device to the liquid reaction! " transferred over the entire kamia area in contact with the walls are. As will also be described, the material must also have other characteristics to prevent certain analytical problems and / or adverse effects from occurring, after which the cuvette rotor can be made of a material that is neutral or inert, so as not to cause the To influence the reaction of the fluids and the data and information to be recorded. Besides, she has to go with the surface coming into contact with the reactants of the material be designed so that it has physical bonds of protein-like substances with their. Appear

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one has to count on blood samples, can be prevented. Furthermore, it must vrerden aisgegangen thereof in this context, that the cuvette rotor repeatedly and frequently used wii ~ d _o

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the heating device in the cuvette rotor within a critical tolerance limit are regulated so that a precisely adjustable heating option in a temperature range as required for each possible test procedure. According to this aspect of the present In accordance with the invention, the heating device is continuously monitored in order to thereby reduce the temperature of the reactants to keep it at the regulated level of thermal energy.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, means are provided in the cuvette rotor for withdrawing the reactants from the chamber after the desired data has been derived during the chemical reaction. To this end the cuvette rotor assembly includes a siphon or siphon communicating with each chamber in V _er i} i _nc j _un g. The lifter cannot be put into operation while information is being retrieved.

However, it will affect the liquid reactants in the A pressure exerted above that by the chamber

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The forces developed by rotation are the reactants driven out of the chamber and collected as waste, an additional pressure is also applied during the weaving the cuvette part chamber η may be required after each test and in preparation for a subsequent test.

In addition, in the present invention, the installation provided by facilities together with the cuvette rotor, uui to prevent static electrical charges from building up on the rotating optical surfaces. The build-up of charges can be achieved through the use of a grounded sealing washer made from a metal foil, which is in contact with the optical surfaces.

The previous description serves to broadly outline certain of the more important features of the invention, to facilitate understanding of the detailed below. In addition, the contribution better assess this technical area. There are of course additional features of the present invention, which are described in detail below and also an object of the claims listed below are. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will believe that the basic concept on which this explanation is based,

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can easily be used as a basis for designing other devices to meet the various solutions- ways of carrying out the present invention. It is therefore important that the claims are also equivalent Intended to include constructions that still fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention is illustrated below with the aid of exemplary embodiments explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Show it;

FIG. 1 is an elevation, partly in section, of a device for measuring chemical reactions

FIG. 2 shows a view of the underside of part of the rotor of the device according to FIG. 1, and in particular that part of the rotor _rSj which can be heated under controlled conditions;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the rotor part of Fig. 2, '

Figure k is a plan view of the part of Figure 2;

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236b286

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the part of Figure 4, which is marked by the circle dot-dash /;

FIG. 6 shows a cross section along line 6-6 in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the heating and cooling used Sensing circuit.

The structure shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings forms only a small part of the overall device which can be used as a measurement parameter for measuring a chemical reaction as a function of the degree of light transmittance. The device is particularly suitable for quickly and accurately determining whether certain substances which can be identified with an abnormal condition are present (or not) in a serum sample of a patient. In the embodiment of the invention to be explained below, Ik chemical reactions can be identified and monitored almost simultaneously one after the other. These reactions are compared with a known sample that is placed in one of the 15 cuvette chambers. As far as is practical, any number of cuvette chambers which correspond to the number of groupings of radially arranged wells serving as chambers in the transport disk can be used.

The structure of FIG "1 includes a housing with a an upper part 12 forming a chamber 14. A rotor assembly 16 to be described below is attached in such a way that that it can move in the chamber is added to the upper case. The shaft is connected to the rotor at one end. Any known Funds are used. At the other end, the shaft is connected to a drive motor via a suitable gear (not shown) coupled.

A sleeve 22 is held by the housing parts. For this purpose, the cuff has a radial, bent edge or Splash 2'i on by a shoulder 26 of the upper case will be carried. A plurality of set screws 28, only one of which is shown, and which are on the circumference are spaced around the flange, is used to fix not only the flange, as explained above, but also to connect the upper and lower housings.

The cuff also forms an annular cutout 29 at both the top and bottom. In each cutout there are bearing elements attached to the shaft 30 arranged for the purpose of storage. In every section there are also sealing elements 32. The sealing elements

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have a cylindrical shape with L-shaped in the v / it Cross-section. The web of each element is firmly glued or otherwise attached to the sleeve, s-o that the radial leg is essentially perpendicular extends towards the shaft 20 and in sliding contact with it. The sealing elements are intended to prevent a Serum of a patient or a reagent material reaches the area of the housing of the drive motor.

The rotor assembly 16 includes a transport disk 34 and a cuvette rotor 36. It has already been mentioned that the Cuvette rotor has several chambers. Both the transport disk and the cuvette rotor are supported by a plate 38 held. The rotor assembly also includes an overhead cover plate 40. The cover plate has one annular structure and has a downwardly extending rim portion 42, the purpose of which will be explained below shall be. A number of fastening screws 44 are spaced around the circumference of the rotor and connect certain rotor components including cuvette rotor 36 and plates 38 and 40 so that rotational movement the rotor assembly in the upper housing is possible. The transport disk 34 is supported by the lower plate 38 held and can easily be removed from the circular ring which is formed by the cuvette rotor 36.

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As already indicated, the device can carry out a quick and accurate evaluation of reactions, in which one of the reaction substances ingested blood serum from a patient is. The reaction rate will normally be over a period of time Zero, at which the respondents are brought together for the first time will be determined to completion or to the end point of the reaction.

To first isolate the reactants from one another and then quickly bringing them together contains the transport disc in the upper surface a plurality of pairs of radially arranged chambers 50 »52o in the shown Embodiment there are 15 pairs of chambers. In a typical In the case of application, a patient's serum is placed in the chamber 52, while a reagent is placed in the chamber 50 is arranged. In every chamber of every group A limited and precisely known volume is filled by chambers. Loading or filling can be due to any of the known clinical techniques commonly used.

The transport disk can be made of any metal or Plastic material be built up that, among others Factors that are stable in use and not detrimental

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by the patient's serum or any of the different Reactants are influenced, which in the examinations for glucose, bilirubin, albumin, LDII (lactate dehydrogenase) are used to identify only some of the known and documented test methods to call. Although many metal or plastic materials have been used successfully, one is made from a plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene -Polymer, commonly referred to as TEFLON, is preferred. TEFLON is a. registered trademark of E.I. you Pont de Nemours & Company,

The transport disk 3 ^ contains a further recess or a container 5 ^ t de ^ r a first mixing chamber * bi3. «Det. This results in the following mode of action: Due to the rotation of the rotor arrangement and due to the development of centrifugal forces due to the rotation, the serum and the further reactants are conveyed from their respective depressions or chambers into the mixing chamber ^ k. An opening in the S ^ Fand the transport disc serves to cause the reactants to an aligned cavity or a chamber in the cuvette rotor 36th

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A cover assembly is supported by the housing (shown in detail not) to the area of the chambers or recesses 52 and 5O ₅ 5 ^ include "The lid assembly includes an inner cover 51 'which is however shown in the figure. The inner lid has a generally flat, lower surface and a downwardly extending rim portion to surround the outer, upstanding wall of the transport disc in a loose or snug fit. The remaining components of the lid assembly can be retained on the housing over the inner lid by hinges or equivalent means; they can be held in the closed position by a spring loaded latch mechanism. An O-ring is conveniently positioned between the lid assembly and the wall: in a shoulder in plate 40 to seal the chamber area of the transport disk from chamber 14. In this way, the reagents will move through opening 56 in their entirety.

The cuvette rotor 36 is described below in its individual parts explained. For the instant description, it is sufficient to state that the participants in the reaction are are safely located in the cuvette chambers and are mixed there as soon as they occur during the rotation of the rotor and the centrifugal forces developed in this way are transferred into them will. Observation windows 58 are both

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above and below the cuvette canisters. the Observation windows can be made of any optical material that is capable of without noticeable absorption To let light through both to the reagent sample in the cuvette chambers and then not light absorbed by the reagent to a photosensitive Let the device through «The observation windows can be made of plexiglass, pyrex glass or quartz, for example exist. According to a preferred embodiment the observation windows are made of quartz. One reason for this is that quartz window measurements are in the ultimate aviolet range enable. Both observation windows are ring-shaped in outline.

The overall device works as follows: The analog response signal for the value of the light transmittance from one of the different cuvette chambers is compared with the criteria from the reference cuvette chamber. The output of the measurement data should, however, take place in digital form. Therefore the output signal becomes one based on light appealing facility, such as a photo multiplier 60, which is proportional to the value of the light transmittance of the reactant is in the cuvette chamber, into a digital output display is converted and compared in a computer with the digital output display which is a sample indicates;

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As shown in Figure 1, light from a source (not shown) is transmitted through a mirror 62 onto the photomultiplier tube reflects “The photomultiplier tube is held in a housing 64. With the exception of the light gap 66, the housing is completely closed in order to prevent stray light from hitting the photomultiplier tube. In doing so, the lower housing and the rotor plates create in each case a path for the light along the path (indicated by the arrow 68) from the mirror 61?> to and through the housing gap 66. According to a preferred embodiment Each plate contains a plurality of openings that align with each of the various cuvette chambers are arranged.

The apparatus can be used to perform any one or more of the many known examinations which are made on a patient's serum. In general, the individual test results require the use of light of different frequencies. Therefore the housing can be a filter record for the measured frequency. Furthermore, monochromatic light can also be used. One central opening containing plate 72 is held by the housing and in turn holds the filter. In a typical application

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If necessary, it will be ensured that one filter can be replaced by another as it is for the particular one Test is required.

The cover (not shown) can be provided with an opening in a central area »In the opening a seal and a bearing can be arranged. This structure can be attached to the end of the shaft 20 abuts to a Lagerobex ~ flat to create for the rotation of a lot. The waterproofing is intended to be the connection between an external one for both pressurized air and a washing solution Source and an upper, hollow part of the shaft. The hollow part of the shaft contains a multitude of spaced apart radial holes attached to one another, of which, according to a preferred embodiment, one each is prepared for each cuvette compartment. During the period in which the reaction is monitored, air can pass through the seal and the shaft into the cuvette chamber a vacuum can be drawn, which is generated along the suction path from the cuvette sub-chamber. The air helps to see the serum sample and the reagent completely.

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In general, the information received by the Computex 'is stored according to its program. A digital display is then provided in accordance with the computer program: When the information retrieval phase of the operation has been completed, each cuvette compartment is pressurized by air pressure from the external source so that the fluids from the cuvette chambers are evacuated by a siphon-like action. According to FIG. 1, the liquids are emptied in this way into the chamber Ik and through a housing opening 80 to a collection point for waste. Subsequently, the cuvette chambers are washed, rinsed, centrifuged and to the rotor assembly for a following test methods provide a similar l \ ^r else purely blown. It must be noted that suction will only begin with the use of air at a pressure greater than the centrifugal forces acting on the liquids in the cuvette chamber during rotation. The main purpose of the edge part 42 is to prevent an aerosol, that is to say gases containing suspended matter, from being formed in the chamber from the liquids which are under the suction effect. Such gases containing suspended matter can penetrate to the inner areas of the chamber or only collect in the chamber as impurities or contamination.

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The cuvette rotor 36 can be seen particularly well in FIGS. 2 and k of the Ze ± chrLVLngejL . The rotor has the shape of a circular ring 100 with a multiplicity of individual chambers Io2 defining notches or notches which are each equally spaced from one another. According to a preferred embodiment, 15 chambers are provided, each arranged radially zxi the chambers or depressions 50, 52 and 5 ^ in the transport disk 3 ^ "ind.

The cuvette rotor is made of a material that is cast, milled or used in another process the configuration shown in the figures can. Either plastic materials or metals can be used. Choosing a material depends on certain factors. For this purpose, the material must have at least a high thermal conductivity in order to be good To show heat transfer; it should still be inert so that it does not react with the liquids that come into contact with its surface during operation come; in a preferred embodiment, it should exhibit low surface energy characteristics should be subjected to machining or machining in order to achieve an extremely smooth surface that prevent chemicals from sticking to any

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irregular place, and it must be easy and can be completely cleaned »According to a preferred embodiment, the cuvette rotor is made from a substrate formed either from aluminum or from brass and then with a thin film, i.e. of approximately 0.12 mm (0.005 inch) coated. The film contains jointly electroless nickel and an outer layer of gold, which is applied to it as a galvanic overburden will.

Various plastics can also be used to replace the nickel and gold layers. To this Plastics include TEFLON, polymers made from trifluorochloroethylene (KEL - F) and vinylidene fluoride resins (KYNAR). KEL - F and KYNAR are registered trademarks of M.W. Kellogg Company and Pennsalt Chemicals Corporation, respectively. These materials show low surface energy characteristics, can be used for machining, machining or polishing Achievement of a smooth surface can be subjected and can be on a substrate made of aluminum or brass deposited to a thickness of the order of 0.12 mm (0.005 inches). The thickness of the plastic should be be selected so that the characteristics of the heat transfer from the substrate to the liquids in the cuvette chamber is not significantly reduced.

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236b? 8B

The plastics must also be neutral to the liquids be in the cuvette chambers so that they are immune to the There are protein sticking to the walls of the chimneys.

A heating device is arranged in the substrate. In detail, the following structure results: The substrate is cut out to a depth of approximately ο, ΐδ nira (o, oo7o inches) in the lower surface and the area delimited by the circular line lo'i and the line I06. The area of the cutout and, as a result thereof, the area of the heating device is important in relation to the total surface area of the substrate. This relationship creates a high ratio of heater area to surface area. The heater is in the form of a printed circuit board. An insulating layer such as glass-filled TEFLON (KAPTON), a trade name of the Connecticut Hard Rubber Company, or an equivalent insulating material such as e.g. Fiberglass cloth with a Buna N (nitrile rubber filler) filler and binder, both can be placed on the outside of the heater. The insulated heater printed circuit is bonded to the substrate by any of a variety of adhesive materials. The entire heating unit can be on the order of 0.23 now (0.008 inches) in thickness.

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A connector 1θ8 is held in the substrate to to electrically connect the resistance heating device to a source of energy, furthermore in the substrate a temperature sensing element such as a thermistor Ho held. A connector 112 supports the thermistor in an opening in the substrate. The thermistor extends toward a single one of the multiple chambers 102. In a preferred embodiment, the thermistor is relatively close to both the Viand the chamber as well as the resistance heater arranged so that the probe probe will quickly detect a low temperature of the chamber fluids in order to an automatic increase in the output of the heater to cause. Similarly, the probe quickly rises to a high temperature on the chamber fluids respond to automatically control or stop the output of the heater. After a preferred embodiment, the probe is approximately 3.125 inches from both the resistance heater and the wall of the chambers 102 will.

A siphon or siphon Il4 is in the upper surface formed so that a connection between the outer periphery of the annulus and each of the various chambers 102 by a generally S-shaped path

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is. The depth of the path will be approximately 1.02 + 0.05 mm (0.040 + 0.002 inches). As explained above, the centrifugal force chambers applied to the Reaktionsteilnehmcr in "due to the rotation of the rotor is not sufficient, the Reaktionsteilnehnier zi ^first cause the chamber due to the siphon effect to leave. As has already been explained, v. ^T ird out pressurized air from an external Qtielle in the different chambers to the emptying of the chamber from the mutually reactive fluids, and then carried out by the introduced washing solutions. the rear walls of the chambers are in IL6 (Fig. k) inclined by at to help move the fluids towards the entrance for that particular boar.

Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. K that the surface of the circular ring in the space between the successive chambers is cut out at points 118 and 120. The recess across the entire top surface can be approximately 0.635 mm (0.025 inches). The recessed surface areas

serve to reduce the total weight of the annulus

of the cuvette rotor.

Fig * 3 shows the various, the rotor assembly l6 bil Denden component parts. 3 shows this regard, the transport disk 3 ^l i and surrounding it

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ORDINAL INSPECTED

Cuvette rotor 36. A sealing part 130 is placed on top of one another held opposite sides of the cuvette rotor. A sealing washer provides a support surface for the upper, annular, optical part 58 and serves together with this part as the upper seal for each chamber Io2. The sealing washer can be connected to the optical part by any suitable means, such as a room temperature vulcanizing medium of Buna N or silicone rubber school (nitrile or silicone rubber) get connected. The second sealing washer met a similar function when placed between the lower surface and the lower optical part; it can be connected to the optical part in a similar way will. The recessed - -

The area of the surface, together with the wall, creates one near the path of the siphon or siphon protruding edge on which the sealing washer I30 is arranged will. The protruding edge reinforces the seal achieved between the substrate and the upper optical part.

Each sealing part 13O is designed so that it has a creates constant radial circumference and an inner contour that delimits the outline of each chamber and between chambers Wall -. Copied. The diameter of the sealing part is equal to the outer diameter of the ring-shaped,

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be optical parts. The diameter is slightly larger

than the diameter of the outer wall of the "recessed Areas 18.

A second pair of washers 132, both Ring shape and have an outer diameter which is equal to the outer diameter of the sealing parts 130 is arranged on the other sides of the optical parts 58. Each sealing washer contains a plurality of openings which are arranged at the same distance from one another, so that the passage of light along the path 68 is possible. The inner one The diameter of the gaskets 132 is generally equal to the inner diameter of both the optical one Parts or observation window 58 as well as the cuvette rotor 36. The sealing screws 130 and 132 can both made of e.g. neoprene, Buna-N or silicone rubber As stated above, required the overall cycle of the device has a washing and a cleaning stage and a stage in the course of which the liquids in the cuvette compartment are rinsed out. These operations use pressurized air to pressurize each chamber. The resulting forces cause special stress on the areas of the liquid seal, e.g. the seal between the cuvette rotor and the optical window. Therefore, the seal must be fluid and

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Be airtight to at least 1.75 kg / cm (25 pounds per square inch). That The material of the seal must also be resistant to cold flow and any deformations, such as they occur as a result of the constant, cyclical temperature control. Furthermore, they have to be resilient to be against chemical interactions with the components of the blood.

An annular foil element 136 copying the shape of the sealing washer 132 is between the sealing washer and the upper optical part. The foil can be formed from gold or aluminum and serves to dissipate static electrical charges that build up on the optical element. Because the friction resulting from the rotating parts, this charge can develop and on the upper, accumulate optical surface. Because of the continuous liquid contact with it, no static, build up electrical charges on the lower optical surface. The slide is through some special Means (not shown) grounded, whereby the electrical potential is essentially % is derived from the adhesion of airborne particles to the optical surface to prevent at the cuvette chamber.

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The structure explained above is arranged in layers together and fastened between the lower rotor plate 38 and the upper, annular plate kO. For this purpose, the cuvette rotor has a large number of holes 140 through which the fastening screws kk are guided and received.

In Pig. 7 shows a typical circuit. Of the Circuitry through connectors 108 and 112 in series connect the resistance heater 122 and the thermistor 110. An electromechanical slip ring arrangement (not shown) can do this can be used to couple the series components to a source of electrical energy.

In operation, precisely measured volumes of serum are obtained prior to commencing any operating program Patient and a reagent dispensed or otherwise in the wells or chambers 50 and 52 arranged. If desired, an additional reactant can be dispensed or placed in the well or chamber 5 ^ to be ordered. With the beginning of the rotation of the rotor, the speed of up to three thousand revolutions per minute, the serum and the reagent (s) are generally rapidly outward

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in the direction of the recess 5 ^ and the opening 56 set in motion, taking them before entering the Cuvette chamber, which with the optical parts a optical cell has been mixed to some extent. As the liquids began to mix and then continues in the optical cell, the fluids have to be brought to the optimal temperature quickly can accordingly be operated at a high speed for about 96 seconds during Tjobei During this time, absorbance displays are printed out and displayed, which can be done every three seconds; on the other hand, however, can also be used accordingly

work can be carried out at a slower speed for about 8 minutes, during which time extension displays are printed out every 15 seconds. Light from a source is reflected along the axis of the optical cell towards the light-responsive device. The optical elements are approximately ½ mm thick; si ^e consist of a material that virtually the entire emitted from the light source to the optical. Cell and the light passing through the optical cell to the photo-responsive device to

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it's correct. After the reaction is complete is, the liquids are due to the introduction of pressurized air from the optical Cells driven out. A wash and clean cycle can be used in preparation for a subsequent exam. To do this, both washing solution and then pressurized air is introduced into the chamber of the transport disk in order to carry it through Rotation to clean, then to drive out the liquids and to dry the chamber walls.

The invention thus creates a rotor assembly for a device that monitors a chemical reaction designed and adapted to detect the presence of certain substances in each of a large number of discrete samples determine and identify them. The arrangement has a transport disc to individually the to store various components of one or more independent reactions, as well as one concentric cuvette rotor arranged for this purpose.

The cuvette rotor forms the path of light to one light responsive device a plurality of chambers for containing the constituents of a single reaction,

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In the cuvette rotor devices are provided to heat the components to the optimum temperature and the components on this during the reaction time Keep temperature.

- patent claims -

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Claims (15)

Patent claims * J ~ \ die \ V 1. Device for / clinical analysis to determine the degree of light transmission to be monitored by a reaction product containing at least two components that react with one another, marked by a transport disk (34), with a number of spaced apart in the primary direction arranged groupings of at least two depressions (50,52) formed in the upper surface of the Transport disk (34) are formed, the depressions of each grouping being radially spaced from one another, based on the axis of the transport disk, and wherein the groupings of depressions (50,52) from each other are separated; by a plurality of spaced apart in the circumferential direction An annular element (36) containing slots (102) which is arranged concentrically to the transport disk (34) and is rotatably connected to this; by a radially near the outermost recess (54) of each grouping opening (56) formed in the wall of the transport disk (34); by a pair of the annular element ^ (36) held optical elements (58) which substantially surround each of the slots (102) and between them one form optical cell; by a rotary drive (20) for the transport disk (34), so that material from the - Wells under centrifugal action through the opening (56) in the optical cell and in the path (68) of the light can be moved to a light-sensitive device (60), the output signal of which is proportional to the passage of light through this material is; and by a heater carried by the annular member (36) for expansion the material in the optical cell to a predetermined temperature, 409832/0968 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the annular element (36) is thermally conductive . is trained. 3. Device according to claim 2 _S, characterized in that - That the heating device has an electrical resistance arrangement (122) which has a flat structure and disposed in a major part of the lower surface of the annular member (36), and that the Heating device can be connected to a source of electrical energy «, 4. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that that the annular element (36) has a recessed over a greater part of its lower surface Contains area (104-106) in which the heater is received and held, and that the heater can be connected to a source of electrical energy. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4 _S characterized marked ch net, in that the heating means comprises an electrical resistor arrangement (122) of film thickness which is completely can be accommodated in the exempt area. - Claim 6 40 9 8 32/0968 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, ³ characterized in that the electrical resistance arrangement (122) in the recessed area is completely covered by a layer of insulating material. 7. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that a temperature sensor (110) in the annular Element (36) is arranged in the vicinity of both the wall of the optical cell and the heating device (122), 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the temperature sensor (110) is a thermistor and Comprises means that the thermistor with means for monitoring the temperature of the components in the connect the optical cell to thereby control the heater according to the temperature of the components. 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by a gas and liquid tight seal (130) between the optical elements (58) and the annular element (36). 10 '. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a device for reducing the stati shear electrical charges are provided by __ 4G3832 / 0S88 one of the optical elements (58) is carried on the side facing away from the optical cell. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the device for reducing the electrical charges ring-shaped metal elements (136) and associated with these means for grounding static building up contains electrical charges. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the metal elements (136) from the optical element (58) on the side of the annular element (36) opposite to the heater is. 13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the annular member (36) has a coating of material over at least the surface in the optical cell having. 14 «device according to claim 12, characterized in that the coating has a thickness of about 0.12 mm ~ (0.005 inch) has. 15. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the coating consists at least partially of gold . Godfather - 409832/0968 Blank page