GB1429052A - Method and device for the identification of samples - Google Patents

Abstract

1429052 Identification of samples KOMBINAT MEDIZIN-UND-LABORTECHNIK VEB 26 June 1973 30410/73 Heading G1B In the sampling or analysis of samples wherein the samples are fed in magazines to sampling or analysis apparatus, the sampling or analysis results are correlated to the sample by forming for each sample a recognition character having one or more digits which exclusively indicate the position of the sample within its magazine, and having one or more further digits which exclusively represent the magazine. The recognition character is formed by passing the magazines containing samples through scanning zones and therein subjecting the magazines to light pulses which are partially or completely reflected by or transmitted through the magazine to a radiation-receiving system lying in an indication circuit. An output signal dependent on the number of pulses reflected or transmitted, and indicative of the sample position in the magazine, is thus produced. This signal, in combination with a further signal identifying the magazine from sensing marks and/or formations on the magazine, from the sample recognition character. The process of the invention may be carried out in the device illustrated in Fig. 1, wherein magazines 2 containing samples are fed by clamping device 3 and transport device 4 to a scanning zone comprising flash-tube 8. The transport device is connected to a step counter 10. Light pulses transmitted by the magazine, are detected by radiation receivers 9 which are connected to indicator circuit 11, to which is also connected step counter 10. In operation, movement of a magazine by transport device 4 is recorded on step counter 10. In the scanning zone, such light pulses as are transmitted by the magazine, thus defining the sample position on the magazine, are recorded by photo diodes in radiation receivers 9. Signals from radiation receivers 9 and step counter 10 are fed to indicator circuit 11 which results in this circuit emitting a sample recognition character. The magazines are provided with light detectors 16 to facilitate the transmittance of light from scanning zone to radiation receiver. In Fig. 2 (not shown), these detectors take the form of recesses which pass through the magazine. In alternative arrangement, the detectors can take the form of glass fibre conductors or depressions clad with a reflecting layer.