Automatic chemistry analyzer

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer includes a flow cell (17) mounted so that flow (18) through the cell and tubing connected to the cell is visible from the front of the housing. The electrodes (21-26) to the cell are removably plugged into the cell from their rear. The probe (32) aspirating sample fluid into an injection cell (28) is simultaneously washed by diluent and the diluent mixes with the fluid sample. Waste fluid from the flow cell (17) is fed to a basin (34) which then feeds under gravity to a waste drain (51). A ratio pump (65) is formed by selected syringes (72-74) which are band driven to deliver accurately prerequisite volumes of reagents to the flow cell (17). The solution ground (93) to the system is on the fluid line adjacent the entrance to the flow cell of fluid (19) thereby minimizing electronic noise. Only two motive means are necessary, one to effect horizontal and rotational movement of the sample tray, and a second to effect vertical motion of a crane (31) mounted probe (32) operative between sample cups (33) and an injection cell (28).

Description: RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention related to inventions and disclosures which are the subject of Application Nos. U.S. Serial No. 322,814 U.S. Serial No. 322,802 U.S. Serial No. 322,810 U.S. Serial No. 322,811 U.S. Serial No. 322,812 U.S. Serial No. 322,813 these patent applications are filed contemporaneously with the present application. BACKGROUND This invention relates to the field of automatic analytical instruments. More particularly, the invention is concerned with automatic chemistry analyzer instruments for clinical use. In such instruments, there are sample carousels and sample handling systems. Different clinical analyzers for automatic chemistry analysis are known. One particular kind uses a plurality of individual analysis modules having open reactional sample cups. An automated sample probe withdraws sample fluid from samples in the reaction cup carried on a carousel. Selected volumes of the sample are distributed to analysis modules in accordance with the tests selected by the instrument operator. A different kind of analyzer uses a flow cell through which diluent flows together with samples for determination of electrolytes in the fluid sample. Usually, four electrolytes, namely, sodium, potassium, chloride, and CO 2 are measured. In such analyzers, a pick-up probe extends vertically through a shear valve to aspirate the fluid sample from a sample cup aligned with the probe. The probe is withdrawn into the valve and the lower portion of the valve closes. Diluent from a diluent source flows into the valve, is mixed with the sample from the probe and flows to a flow analysis module. Such analyzers are known from EP-A-0 101 236 and EP-A-0 299 659. Each of these different kind of analyzers have their unique advantages in analysis of fluid samples. The flow cell analyzer provides simplified fluid handling and minimizing reagent consumption. The present invention is particularly concerned with flow cell analyzer systems and means for improving the operation and movement of the various components. One of the difficulties in flow cell analyzers is the problem in monitoring the flow stream through the flow cell. Moreover, the flow cell is often located in a manner that is not easily physically accessable or visible which causes difficulty in increased costs and operation. Moreover, another difficulty associated with the flow cell is the difficulty of injecting sample from the reaction cup into an injection cell and draining fluid from the flow cell from the system. Multiple pumps and wash facilities are often needed to ensure effective injection and drainage. This increases costs and maintenance. A further problem arises from the arrangement for injecting reagents into the flow cell. Prior art methods include the use of peristaltic multistage pumps related so as to develop different pumping ratios. It has been relatively difficult to ensure accurate tolerances with the relative ratios of fluids to be pumped in the system. Other problems which arise are due to electrical noise within the system, and the need to minimize this noise to ensure accurate results. Different techniques have been employed, including a strategic location of the ground for the system. The best avoidance for interference has not, however, been achieved in the prior art. Many other characteristics exist in the prior art systems which are in need of improvement. These include the sample handling mechanism, means for moving samples from sample reaction cups to an injection cell, means for and the number and nature of the motive means and the electronic operations. All of these characteristics in the prior art have various limitations. SUMMARY The present invention solves problems, and improves on the drawbacks posed, in the prior art by providing an automatic chemistry analyzer as defined in claim 1. According to one aspect of the invention, the analyzer for measuring electrolytes in a fluid comprises a housing for a flow cell, the housing having selectively movably panels formed at least in part by the panels. There is means for passing fluid through the flow cell between an injection cell and a drain. The flow cell is mounted in the housing for visibility, so that on opening of, or moving of, the panels from the housing a substantial length of fluid flow through the flow cell is selectively visible from the location from which the panels are opened or moved. The flow cell is formed between a pair of molded clamping plates of at least partly transparent material thereby to permit visibility through the cell. The flow cell includes electrodes removably pluggable into the cell from the rear. This is from behind the flow cell relative to the location of the panels in the housing. Preferably the injection cell is mounted together with a waste basin, the waste basin and injection cell being part of a unit. The waste basin empties into the drain and the drain is located below the flow cell, the flow from the waste basin to the drain being under gravity. The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying detailed description and drawings. DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automatic clinical analyzer illustrating a drive wheel and sample wheel mounted in the top of the analyzer. Figure 2 is a side view of a crane mounting a probe, the probe being operative between reaction cups or sample cups in the sample wheel and an injection cell in the analyzer. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an injection cell illustrating a probe in relation to the bore of the cell. Figure 4 is a partial plan view of the analyzer illustrating a part of the sample wheel, drive wheel, and sensors for coding the sample wheel located adjacent to the sample wheel and drive wheel. Figure 5 is a flow diagram of a chemistry analyzer showing the fluid path relationship to various physical components of the system. Figure 6 is a front elevational view of the analyzer with the front doors open and showing the relative layout of some components. Figure 7 is a partial elevational view of a band drive for the syringes of the ratio pump. Figure 8 is a side view partly in section, showing the ratio pump with the band drive system connected with the syringes. Figure 9 is a rear elevational view of the ratio pump illustrating the band drive for the syringes in a pump position relatively different to that shown in Figure 7. Figure 10 is a plan front view of the rear plate of the flow cell. Figure 11 is a sectional side view of the plates of the flow cell with the electrodes indicated in position in the rear plate of the cell. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the forked band about the wheel hub of the ratio pump. Figure 13 is a plan front view of the forked band. DESCRIPTION An automatic chemistry analyzer for the measuring of electrolytes in a fluid sample comprises a housing 10 for a flow cell 17. The housing 10 includes two selectively movable panels or doors 11 and 12 mounted on the front side of the housing 10. The doors 11 and 12 form part of the housing 10 and are hinged vertically to open and close and provide access to the interior of the analyzer. In the top face 13 of the housing there is a recessed portion 14 in which a sample wheel 15 is located inside of a drive wheel 16. Mounted within the housing and facing the front doors 11 and 12 is a flow cell 17. The cell 17 is formed between a pair of molded clamping plates 200 and 201 of at least partly transparent material so as permit visibility through the flow cell 17. In this manner, the fluid path 18 can be seen from the entry position 19 to the exit position 20 from the flow cell 17. The flow cell 17 includes an electrode 21 for measuring potassium, an electrode 22 for measuring sodium, an electrode 23 for measuring chloride and an electrode 24 for measuring CO 2 . An additional spare electrode 25 is provided for different and other electrolyte measurements. Also, electrode 26 is provided for measurement of a pH reference. In this manner, the flow cell can selectively have between four to six operative electrodes to measure electrolytes in a fluid sample entering along entrance tube or line 27. The electrodes 21 through 26 are in the form of spark plug-like elements which are adapted to screw fit into the flow cell 17 rearwardly and away from the front doors 11 and 12. In this manner, the electrodes do not impair or hinder the visibility of flow through the flow cell along line 18. The electrodes fit into the rear clamping plate 200. The fluid path 18 is formed only in the rear plate 200. A transparent gasket 202 fits between the plates 200 and 201. Plate 201 is essentially a rectangular block of transparent material. Apertures 203 are formed into the plate 200 at right angles relative to the flow path 18. In this manner rear plate 200 can be formed in a simple molding production. Screw formation apertures 204 are cut into the side of the rear plate 200 so that the cell 17 can be anchored to a foundation 205 in the structure of the analyzer 10. Pin holes 206 accommodate pins to effect clamping together of the plates 200 and 201. Fluid for the flow cell 17 is obtained from an injection cell 28. The cell 28 is mounted below a base plate 29 in the trough of recessed portion 14. In particular, the cell 28 is located below a target location 30 through which a crane 31 operates. A probe 32 acts to take sample fluid from a reaction cup 33A selectively as the reaction cups 33 selectively move into position relative to the crane 31 and the probe 32 mounted on the crane 31. The reaction cups 33 move in cycloidal fashion relative to the top face 13 of the analyzer. The injection cell 28 is formed as an integral unit together with a waste basin 34. The injection cell 28 is made of substantially transparent material so that the flow through the cell 28 can be visible. The downstream end of the probe 32 includes an O-ring seal 35 which includes a truncated section 36. About the O-ring seal 35 circumferentially about the truncated section 36 there is a circumferential lip seal 37. The O-ring seal 35 mates with an O-ring lip 38 about an inlet port 39 to the injection cell 28. The inlet port 39 has a truncated circumferential formation 40 whereby any spillage can drain from the low point of a base 41 about the inlet port 39 through an outlet tube 42 to a waste basin 34. Diluent fluid enters through tube 43 to be directed into the bore 44 of the injection cell 28. The diluent fluid sweeps down the outside of the probe 32 when the probe is in location in the bore 44. In this manner, the fluid washes the outside of the probe 32. Exiting the bore 44 through the tube 45, the diluent and sample are mixed in a predetermined ratio. The sample and diluent enter through pipe 27 the bottom of the flow cell 17 through entry port 19. The sample fluid, diluent and any other reagents, such as acid and internal reference fluid exit through line 46. These fluids enter through nipple 47, into the waste outlet 48 and then drip into the basin 34. From the basin 34, the outlet 49 is connected with a discharge tube 50 which drains fluid to the drain 51 located at a low level in the housing 10. This waste fluid drains under gravity action. No pumping is necessary of fluid from the basin 34 to the drain 51. The diluent for mixing with the fluid sample washes the outside of the probe 32 and its tip. This also avoids a further pumping cycle and associated component parts. The diluent flow about the probe 32 is effected partly through gravity, and partly by aspirating force on the outlet tube 45. The flow cell 17 requires various fluid sources to permit measurement of electrolytes. The fluid sources are an acid reagent 53, an internal reference fluid 54, and an electrolyte diluent 55. These are contained in bottles with tubes or pipes 56, 57 and 58 entering the bottles and extending, at least partially towards the bottom of the bottles 59, 60 and 61. An internal reference fluid is the relatively smallest volume of these three fluids. The outlet from each of these bottles 59, 60 and 61 pass respectively along lines 62, 63 and 64 to a ratio pump indicated generally with numeral 65. Along the tubes 62, 63, and 64 and the ratio pump 65 there are valves 66, 67 and 68 which are respectively connected to the bottles 59, 60 and 61. The valves 66, 67 and 68 are solenoid valve means. They include exit pipes 69, 70 and 71 which are connected respectively to syringes 72, 73 and 74. Exit pipes 75, 76 and 77 are respectively connected in the line between the solenoid valves 66, 67 and 68 and the outlets 78, 79 and 80 from the syringes 72, 73 and 74, respectively. The syringes include pistons 81, 82 and 83 which are driven by stems 84, 85 and 86, respectively. As the pistons 81, 82 and 83 move upwardly in the respective cylindrical bodies 87, 88 and 89 of the syringes 72, 73 and 74 fluid is pumped out of the exits 78, 79 and 80 of the syringes. The solenoid valves 66, 67 and 68 cooperate with the syringes 78, 79 and 80 such that as the pistons 81, 82 and 83 move respectively upwardly and downwardly, fluid can be pumped into the syringes 72, 73 and 74 or from the syringes 72, 73 and 74. When being pumped from the syringe 72, fluid exits along the fluid outlet pipe 90. The fluid exit from the syringe 73 exits through pipe 91, and the fluid outlet from syringe exits along the outlet pipe 92. The syringe stems 84, 85 and 86 are driven by a band drive. This band drive is formed by a drive motor 93a which turns a pair of drive hubs 94a and 95a which wrap bands 96a and 97a up and around the peripheral outer circumferences 98a and 99a of the respective drive hubs 94a and 95a. The bands 96a and 97a are forked or split over about half of their length so that there are strip side components 195a and 195b and a central component 195c. The bands 96a and 97a are connected at one free end 301 with a helical springs 302 which counteracts the wrap up force from the drive hubs 94a and 95a. The bands 96a and 97a are anchored at about their central position 303 to the circumferential periphery of the drive hubs 94a and 95a. The opposite ends 304 of the springs 302 are anchored to the base 305 of a carriage 306. The carriage 306 is a vertical plate 307 which moves upwardly and downwardly in guiderails 308 and 309 on either side of a vertical mounting bracket 310 of the ratio pump 65. The plate 307 has a set of four wheels 311, 312, 313 and 314 located at the corners of the plate 307 for guiding the plate 307 upwardly and downwardly as required under the action of the drive hubs 94a and 95a. The springs 302 remain taut and move upwardly and downwardly with the plate 307. A horizontal slot 325 through the plate 307 permits the bands 96a and 97a to pass from the one side of the plate 307 to the opposite side and then wrap around the top of the plate 307. The bands 96a and 97a in turn pass downwardly under the drive hubs 94a and 95a and then become affixed at anchorages 303. The split portions 195a and 195b, on the one hand, and the central portion 306 effectively wrap around different half portions of the respective hubs 94a and 95a. The split sections 195a and 195b extend from the respective drive hubs 94a and 95a downwardly and underneath the base 305 of the carriage 306 and are anchored at 320 to the carriage plate 307. The central portion 306 of the bands 96a and 97a extend from the hubs 94a and 95a over the top 322 of the plate 307 and through slot 325. At the base 305 of the carriage 306 there are horizontal apertures 315 through which pins 316 pass for connection with the free ends 317 of the piston stems 84, 85 and 86, respectively. There are three pins 316 to connect the syringes which are mounted on the side of the vertical mounting bracket 310 opposite to the carriage plate 307. In Figure 7 the carriage 306 with plate 307 is shown in an elevated position, namely in a position where the piston stems 84, 85 and 86 are within the cylinders of the syringes 72, 73 and 74. In this position the drive hubs 94a and 95a have been turned about 270° clockwise relative to the depiction of the position of the hubs 94a and 95a in Figures 8 and 9. A square shaft 318 transmits the rotational effect from the drive motor 93a to the drive hubs 94a and 95a. The band drives for the ratio pump 65 syringes 72, 73 and 74 and for the crane 31 are similar. The drive mechanism including motor, drive hubs and syringes for the ratio pump 65 and crane 31 are also similar. The syringe 73 is relatively smaller in volume than that for syringes 72 and 74. This would correspond to the requisite amounts of reagents necessary for the flow cell 17. Accordingly, the acid reagent and electrolyte diluent are greater than the internal reference fluid. In this manner, the correct proportions of source fluids can be pumped from the ratio pump 65 to the flow cell 17. The outlet of the acid reagent is directed along tube 90 to a position in line 18 of the flow cell 17 between the chloride electrode and the tube electrode. The internal reference outlet tube 91 is directed to the inlet to probe 32 so that the internal reference can be selectively added to the probe 32 as required. The outlet from the diluent is directed along path 92 to the inlet tube 43 of the injection cell 28 to be mixed with the sample fluid 52 in the bore 44 in addition to washing the outside surface of the probe 32. The tube 92 is directed through the pH reference electrode 26 en route to the inlet 43 to the injection cell 28. In order to minimize electronic noise arising from the flow cell 17, a system ground 93 is applied to the flow cell near the inlet end of 19. By having the system ground as close as possible to the measuring electrode, namely, near the bottom of the flow cell 17, the electronic noise and interference is minimized. The system ground is on the diluent buffer line 27. The carbon dioxide electrode 24 requires an alkaline buffer 105 which is fed from container 106 through a debubbler or degassing unit 107 to enter into a tube 108. The liquid or fluid passes from the electrode 24 into an exit tube 109. Tube 109 feeds back to the container 106, the tube 109 entering the container 106 through inlet 110. Gas removed from the liquid through the debubbler 107 is returned to the container 106 through pipe 108 in the form of gas or air entrained liquid. This is constituted as the bubbles 111 entering through the port 112. Peristaltic pumps 114 effects movement of the fluid in the degassing system. A removable, self-aligning salt bridge 113 is provided as an electrode in the flow cell 17 between the location for the space electrode 25 and the pH reference electrode 26. The crane 31 illustrated in Figure 2, moves only in a vertical direction as driven by the band 94c which wraps around the circumference of the drive wheel 94 driven by the motor 93b. The motor 93b and drive wheel 94c are mounted on a bracket 96 which is located operatively relative to the target zone 30. In this manner, the crane 31 can move vertically upwardly and downwardly and selectively inject the probe 32 into the bore 44 of the injection cell. Selectively, when the sample reaction cups 33 are located over the target location 30, the probe 32 enters a sample cup. When the sample cup 33A is removed, the injection cell 32 can enter the bore 44 of the injection cell 28. The O-ring seal 35 and lip 37 about the probe 32 seats in the seat 38 and circumferential lip 40 at the inlet port 39 to the bore 44. The sample tray 15 moves horizontally under cycloidal action into and away from the target location 30 while the probe 32 moves vertically under the action of the band 94c and its drive. The operational sequence includes crane means 31 for raising the probe 32 above the sample tray level 97. A motor system operating a drive wheel 16 moves the sample tray 15 into a position below the probe 32. The crane 31 then lowers the probe 32 into a sample element 33 in the sample tray 15, where a sample is drawn into the probe 32. The crane means 31 then lowers the probe 32 above the sample tray 15 and the sample tray 15 is moved laterally and transversely away from being underneath the probe 32. The crane means 31 then lowers the probe 32 downwardly to the injection cell 28 where there are means for ejecting or aspirating the sample fluid from the probe 32 into the bore 44 of the injection cell 28. The crane 31 moves the probe 32 upwardly and the cycle is repeated with different sample cells 33 moved into and from the target location 30. Adjacent the outside the periphery of the sample tray 15 is a sensor unit 98 which operates optically to sense the location of the sample wheel tray 15 in different positions relative to the target location 30. Apertures 99 and occlusions 100 in the wall 101 of the sample wheel 15 provide for reflectance and non-reflectance of an optical signal from the sensor unit 98. The apertures 99 and occlusions 100 are related in predetermined coding fashion to particular cells 33. This provides for indexing and identification of various cells or cups 33 about the sample wheel tray 15. The timing of the sequences, which also includes the motion of the mechanical parts is under microprocessor control. This control can be regulated by keyboard input 102 and indicator lamps 103 will indicate the sequences and the status of the instrument 10. Outputted hard copy of analytical results can be obtained from exit slot 104. This gives a reading of analytical data about the system or samples as required.

Claims: An automatic chemistry analyzer for measurement of electrolytes in a fluid comprising a housing (10) for a flow cell (17), and electrodes (21, 22, 23, 24) removably located in the flow cell, the housing having panels (11, 12) which form at least part of the housing, means for passing fluid through the flow cell between an injection cell (28) and a drain (51), the flow cell being mounted in the housing such that when the panels are opened from an enclosing position with the housing, a substantial length of a fluid flow path through the flow cell is visible from the open panels, the panels constituting doors to the front of the housing and the electrodes are within the housing and wherein the flow cell is formed between clamping plates (200, 201) of at least partly transparent material thereby to permit visibility of the fluid flow path, and said path is constituted in one surface of the plate (200). An analyzer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the electrodes are removably located in the cell in a position removed from the side of the panels. An analyzer as claimed in claim 2 wherein the electrodes are removably plugged into the cell from the rear and behind the flow cell relative to the position of panels. An analyzer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fluid path (18) is formed in the rear clamping plate (200). An analyzer as claimed in claim 4 including a partly transparent gasket (202) between the pair of clamping plates. An analyzer as claimed in claim 5 including apertures (203) transverse to the fluid flow path, the apertures being for electrodes. An analyzer as claimed in claim 6 wherein the fluid flow path on the rear plate (200) is formed by moulding.

Inventors: BUZZA EDMUND E, JACKSON DELBERT D, RICCHIO SAMUEL G, SHU FRANK R, STONE JOHN E, BUZZA, EDMUND E., JACKSON, DELBERT D., RICCHIO, SAMUEL G., SHU, FRANK R., STONE, JOHN E.
Applicants: BECKMAN COULTER INC, BECKMAN COULTER, INC.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: G01N35
IPC codes: G01N35, G01N27