Patent ID: 6225126
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
Apparatus for measuring hemostasis comprising:(a) sample retention apparatus comprising:a sample cup; anda sample tip received within the sample cup and defining a sample space between an inner wall of the sample cup and an outer surface of the sample tip;(b) sample articulation apparatus comprising:a drive motor having an output shaft;a cam coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith in response to operation of the drive motor;a cam follower engaging the cam, the cam follower articulated in response to rotation of the cam;a drive ring coupled to the cam follower and articulated therewith; andat least one guide shaft extending from the drive ring;(c) a sample carrier secured to and axially moveable along said guide shaft between a sample ready position, a sample test position and a sample ejection position, the sample carrier including a cavity within which the sample cup is received and a sample cup ejection mechanism disposed within the cavity; and(d) a measuring apparatus including a sensing column;wherein, (i) with the sample carrier at the sample ready position the sample retention apparatus is positioned to the sample carrier with the sample cup being disposed within the cavity, (ii) with the sample carrier at the sample test position the sample tip is engaged with the sensing column and the sample cup is articulated with the sample carrier, and (iii) with the sample carrier in the sample ejection position, the sample cup ejection mechanism is engaged with the sample cup and the sample retention apparatus is displaced from the cavity.