Patent Publication Number: US-10330691-B2

Title: Light-blocking system for a diagnostic analyzer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/214,190, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,513,303, filed on Mar. 14, 2014 and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/790,480, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to a selectively activated light-blocking system for a diagnostic analyzer. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Diagnostic analyzers for testing samples typically utilize a moving carousel containing a processing path. The moving carousel holds reaction vessels which contain samples to be tested by the diagnostic analyzer. Pipetting devices transfer reagents into the reaction vessels to be mixed with the samples. In order to diagnostically test the samples containing the reagents, the pipetting devices transfer the samples from the moving carousel to a testing device which is off-track from the moving carousel. This increases cost, takes up space, and decreases throughput. 
     A diagnostic analyzer is needed to overcome one or more of the issues of one or more of the existing diagnostic analyzers. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a diagnostic analyzer is disclosed. The diagnostic analyzer includes a track, at least one light-blocking member, a motor, and an optical testing device. The track is for moving a reaction vessel held by the track. The at least one light-blocking member is disposed adjacent to the track. The at least one light-blocking member is configured to move from a first position apart from the track to a second position closer to the track. When the at least one light-blocking member is disposed in the first position a sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track is exposed to light. When the at least one light-blocking member is disposed in the second position the sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track is blocked from exposure to the light by the at least one light-blocking member. The motor is for moving the at least one light-blocking member between the first and the second positions. The optical testing device is disposed adjacent to the track for optically testing the sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track when the at least one light-blocking member is disposed in the second position blocking the sample from exposure to the light. 
     In another embodiment, a diagnostic analyzer is disclosed. The diagnostic analyzer includes a track, two opposed sets of light-blocking members, at least one motor, a plurality of linkage members, and at least one optical testing device. The track includes a plurality of lanes for holding reaction vessels containing samples. The two opposed sets of light-blocking members are disposed apart on opposite sides of the track. Each of the two opposed sets of light-blocking members are adjacent to a different one of the plurality of lanes. Each of the two opposed sets of light-blocking members include a first light-blocking member and a second light-blocking member. The plurality of linkage members connect the two opposed sets of light-blocking members to the at least one motor. The at least one motor is configured to move the two opposed sets of light-blocking members between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the two opposed sets of light-blocking members allow light exposure to the samples in the reaction vessels held in the plurality of lanes. In the second position, the two opposed sets of light-blocking members block light exposure to the samples in the reaction vessels held in the plurality of lanes. 
     In still another embodiment, a method of diagnostically testing a sample is disclosed. In one step, a track holding a reaction vessel, which contains a sample, is moved so that the reaction vessel is disposed adjacent to at least one light-blocking member in a first position disposed apart from the track allowing the sample to be exposed to light. In another step, the at least one light-blocking member is moved from the first position to a second position closer to the track to dispose the reaction vessel held by the track within at least a portion of the at least one light-blocking member to block the sample contained within the reaction vessel from exposure to the light. In an additional step, the sample is optically tested while the at least one light-blocking member is disposed in the second position. 
     The scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims and is not affected by the statements within this summary. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer system; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer system; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one linear track of  FIGS. 1 and 2  removed from the diagnostic analyzer system; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a testing device, disposed in a closed position, which is used to test samples in a testing zone of the diagnostic analyzer of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-section view through a moving track of the diagnostic analyzer of  FIG. 1  with the testing device of  FIG. 4  disposed in the closed position relative to the moving track; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-section view through a first light-blocking member of the testing device of  FIG. 4  while the first light-blocking member is disposed in the closed position; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-section view through a first light-blocking member and second light-blocking members of the testing device of  FIG. 4  while the first light-blocking member and the second light-blocking members are disposed in the closed position; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer of  FIG. 5  with a first light-blocking member and second light light-blocking members of the testing device disposed in an open position; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-section view through the moving track of the diagnostic analyzer of  FIG. 1  with the testing device of  FIG. 4  disposed in the open position relative to the moving track; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-section view through a first light-blocking member and second light-blocking members of the testing device of  FIG. 4  while the first light-blocking member and the second light-blocking members are disposed in the open position; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer of  FIG. 8  with the first light-blocking member of the testing device having advanced upwardly and the second light-blocking members of the testing device having advanced downwardly as a result of a motor rotating to move the testing device from the open position of  FIG. 8  towards the closed position; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer of  FIG. 11  with the first light-blocking member of the testing device having further advanced upwardly and the second light light-blocking members of the testing device having further advanced downwardly as a result of the motor moving the testing device closer to the closed position; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer of  FIG. 12  with the first light-blocking member of the testing device having still further advanced upwardly and the second light light-blocking members of the testing device having still further advanced downwardly as a result of the motor rotating to move the testing device closer to the closed position; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 13  with the first light-blocking member of the testing device having further advanced upwardly to the closed position and the second light light-blocking members of the testing device having further advanced downwardly to the closed position as a result of the motor rotating to move the testing device; and 
         FIG. 15  illustrates one embodiment of a method of diagnostically testing a sample. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  respectively illustrate a perspective view and a top view of one embodiment of a diagnostic analyzer system  10 . As shown collectively in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the diagnostic analyzer system  10  comprises a reaction vessel loading zone  12 , a sample storage zone  14 , a reagent storage zone  16 , a testing zone  18 , and one or more processors  19 . The one or more processors  19  may control the actions of the diagnostic analyzer system  10 . The reaction vessel loading zone  12  comprises a zone which supplies reaction vessels  20  to the testing zone  18  preferably using a robot  21 . The sample storage zone  14  comprises a zone which supplies samples  22  to the testing zone  18  for testing. The samples  22  comprise blood samples. The blood samples may be taken from a mammal, a human, an animal, or any type of living creature. In other embodiments, the samples  22  may vary. The reagent storage zone  16  comprises a zone which supplies reagents  25  to the testing zone  18 . The testing zone  18  comprises a zone which conducts testing on the samples  22  to determine a measurement, a property, a trait, or a condition of the samples  22 . The testing zone  18  comprises two linear tracks  24 . In other embodiments, the testing zone  18  may comprise any number of linear moving tracks  24 . The moving linear tracks  24  are made of stainless steel. The moving linear tracks  24  and the entire assemblies are conductive to eliminate a build-up of static electricity. The moving linear tracks  24  are identical. In other embodiments, the moving linear tracks  24  may vary. Motor  26  provides power for moving the linear tracks  24 . In other embodiments, any number of motors  26  may be used to provide power for moving the linear tracks  24 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of one of the linear tracks  24  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  removed from the diagnostic analyzer system  10 . The linear track  24  comprises two outer processing lanes  28  and  30 , and a pre-treatment lane  32  which is disposed between and parallel to the two outer processing lanes  28  and  30 . As more thoroughly discussed below, the outer processing lanes  28  and  30  are used to conduct diagnostic tests on samples. In other embodiments, the linear track  24  may comprise any number of processing and pre-treatment lanes in varied configurations. The linear track  24  is disposed around pulleys  34  and  36  forming a continuous linear track  24 . The motor  26  of  FIG. 2  supplies power to one or more of the pulleys  34  and  36  of  FIG. 3  in order to rotate the pulleys  34  and  36  in the clockwise direction  38 . The rotation of the pulleys  34  and  36  causes the attached linear track  24  to rotate with and around the pulleys  34  and  36  in the clockwise direction  38  thereby moving the outer processing lanes  28  and  30  and the pre-treatment lane  32  of the linear track  24  identically. As a top portion  24   a  of the linear track  24  moves in linear direction  40  due to the rotation of the pulleys  34  and  36 , the reaction vessels  20  held in place within a plurality of slots  42  of the linear track  24  also move in linear direction  40 . The plurality of slots  42  are precision laser-cut slots of the linear track  24 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a testing device  44 , disposed in a closed position, which is used to test samples  22  in the testing zone  18  of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-section view through a moving track  24  of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 1  with the testing device  44  of  FIG. 4  disposed in the closed position relative to the moving track  24 . The closed position is also referred to herein as the second position. The testing device  44  of the diagnostic analyzer  10  may be used to diagnostically analyze the samples  22  contained within the reaction vessels  20  held within the slots  42  of the processing lanes  28  and  30  of the moving track  24  in order to determine a trait, characteristic, property, or condition of the samples  22 . The slots  42  within the pre-treatment lane  32  of the moving track  24  also contain reaction vessels  20  but the testing device  44  of the diagnostic analyzer  10  is not used to diagnostically analyze samples in the reaction vessels  20  held by the pre-treatment lane  32 . 
     As shown collectively in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the diagnostic analyzer  10  comprises in-part: the moving track  24 ; bottom housing  46 ; top housing  48 ; motor  50 ; shaft  52 ; linkage members  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  59 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 , and  70 ; frame members  72  and  74 ; first light-blocking members  76  and  78 ; second light-blocking members  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and  86 ; optical testing devices  88  and  90 ; pre-trigger devices  92  and  93 ; and trigger devices  94  and  95 . 
     The processor  19  of  FIG. 2  causes the motor  26  of  FIG. 2  to intermittently move the moving track  24  of  FIG. 5  in direction  40  such that the reaction vessels  20  held by the slots  42  of the processing lanes  28  and  30  are each disposed at location  96  for a pre-determined time delay. The optical testing devices  88  and  90  are located at location  96  for diagnostically testing the samples  22  contained in the reaction vessels  20  held by the slots  42  of the processing lanes  28  and  30 . 
     The slots  42  of the processing lanes  28  and  30  and the slots  42  of the pre-treatment lane  32  are each aligned with separate respective elongated channels  98  of the bottom housing  46  which is disposed below the moving track  24 . The separate respective elongated channels  98  of the bottom housing  46  are sized to hold bottom portions  100  of the reaction vessels  20  which are extended through the slots  42  in the processing lanes  28  and  30  and through the slots  42  in the pre-treatment lane  32 . Similarly, the slots  42  of the processing lanes  28  and  30  and the slots  42  of the pre-treatment lane  32  are each aligned with separate respective elongated channels  102  of the top housing  48  which is disposed above the moving track  24 . The separate respective elongated channels  102  of the top housing  48  are sized to hold top portions  104  of the reaction vessels  20  which are extended through the slots  42  in the processing lanes  28  and  30  and through the slots  42  in the pre-treatment lane  32 . In such manner, when the moving track  24  advances in direction  40  the reaction vessels  20  held in the slots  42  of the track  24  are configured to move through the elongated channels  98  and  102  of the bottom and top housings  46  and  48  in direction  40 . 
     As shown collectively in  FIG. 4 , the motor  50  is connected to shaft  52  for rotating the shaft one-hundred-eighty degrees (180 degrees) back and forth in directions  106  and  107 . Shaft  52  is fixedly attached to linkage member  54  such that linkage member  54  rotates with the shaft  52 . Linkage member  54  is pivotally attached to linkage member  56  such that movement of linkage member  54  causes linkage member  56  to pivot. Linkage member  56  is pivotally attached to linkage member  58  such that pivoting of linkage member  56  causes linkage member  58  to slide up in direction  108  or down in direction  109  within compartment  110  of the first light-blocking member  76 . When linkage member  58  is moved upwardly in direction  108  within compartment  110  a portion  112  of the linkage member  58  abuts against a top ledge  114  of the compartment  110  of the first light-blocking member  76  causing the first light-blocking member  76  to move upwardly in direction  108  into the closed position while sliding along frame member  72  to which it is moveably attached. 
     Linkage member  56  is also pivotally attached to linkage member  59  such that pivoting of linkage member  56  also causes linkage member  59  to slide up in direction  108  or down in direction  109  within compartment  116  of the first light-blocking member  78 . When linkage member  59  is moved upwardly in direction  108  within compartment  116  a portion  118  of the linkage member  59  abuts against a top ledge  120  of the compartment  116  of the first light-blocking member  78  causing the first light-blocking member  78  to move upwardly in direction  108  while sliding along frame member  74  to which it is moveably attached. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-section view through the first light-blocking member  76  of the testing device  44  of  FIG. 4  while the first light-blocking member  76  is disposed in the closed position. As shown, the first light-blocking member  76  comprises a plurality of inner compartments  76   a ,  76   b , and  76   c  having open top ends. When the first light-blocking member  76  is disposed in the closed position the plurality of inner compartments  76   a ,  76   b , and  76   c  of the first light-blocking member  76  each enclose a separate respective reaction vessel  20  each holding a separate respective sample  22 . While in this closed position, the first light-blocking member  76  is disposed within the elongated channel  98   a  (See  FIG. 5 ) of the bottom housing  46  and abuts against a bottom of the track  24  completing enclosing the reaction vessels  20  within the compartments  76   a ,  76   b , and  76   c  of the first light-blocking member  76 . While in this closed position, the frame member  74  and an optical reader  88   a  of the optical testing device  88  form walls of the inner compartments  76   a ,  76   b , and  76   c . The first light-blocking member  78  of  FIG. 4  is a mirror image of the first light-blocking member  76  and functions the same way to enclose reaction vessels  20  disposed on the other side of the testing device  44  when the first light-blocking member  78  is disposed in the closed position. 
     When linkage member  58  of  FIG. 4  is moved downwardly in direction  109  within compartment  110  the portion  112  of the linkage member  58  abuts against a bottom ledge  122  of the compartment  110  of the first light-blocking member  76  causing the first light-blocking member  76  to move downwardly in direction  109  while sliding along frame member  72  to which it is moveably attached. When linkage member  59  is moved downwardly in direction  109  within compartment  116  the portion  118  of the linkage member  59  abuts against a bottom ledge  124  of the compartment  116  of the first light-blocking member  78  causing the first light-blocking member  78  to move downwardly in direction  109  while sliding along frame member  74  to which it is moveably attached. 
     When linkage members  58  and  59  are moved upwardly in direction  108  they extend through holes  126  (see  FIG. 5 ) in the track  24  and make contact with tabs  128  and  130  of linkage member  70  causing linkage member  70  to move upward in direction  108  through hole  132  in the top housing  48 . This upward movement of the linkage member  70  in direction  108  causes linkage member  68 , which is disposed above the top housing  48  and fixedly attached to linkage member  70 , to also move upwardly in direction  108 . Linkage members  60 ,  62 ,  64 , and  66  are pivotally attached to linkage member  68 . One or more pins  132  extend in fixed attachment within the top housing  48  through channels  134  and  136  in linkage members  60  and  64 . Another one or more pins  138  extends in fixed attachment within the top housing  48  through channels  140  and  142  in linkage members  62  and  66 . Linkage members  60 ,  62 ,  64 , and  66  extend through holes  144  and  146  in the top housing  48 . 
     Upward movement of the linkage member  68  in direction  108  (due to the linked movement previously described) causes attached linkage members  60  and  64  to pivot relative to the linkage member  68  and relative to the fixed pin  132 . This causes, in a teeter-totter movement, top portions  148  and  150  of linkage members  60  and  64  to move upwardly in direction  108  and causes bottom portions  152  and  154  of linkage members  60  and  64  to move downwardly in direction  109 . This downward movement of the bottom portions  152  and  154  of linkage members  60  and  64  in direction  109  causes the respectively attached second light-blocking members  80  and  84  to also travel downward in direction  109  in order to abut against the track  24  in the closed position. 
     The upward movement of the linkage member  68  in direction  108  also causes attached linkage members  62  and  66  to pivot relative to the linkage member  68  and relative to the fixed pin  138 . This causes, in a teeter-totter movement, top portions  156  and  158  of linkage members  62  and  66  to move upwardly in direction  108  and also causes bottom portions  160  and  162  of linkage members  62  and  66  to move downwardly in direction  109 . This downward movement of the bottom portions  160  and  162  of linkage members  62  and  66  in direction  109  causes the respectively attached second light-blocking members  82  and  86  to also travel downward in direction  109  in order to abut against the track  24  in the closed position. 
     The second light-blocking members  80  and  84  comprise shutters. In the closed position the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  are disposed in the elongated channel  102   a  of the top housing  48  abutted against the track  24  at least partially surrounding reaction vessels  20   a  and  20   b  which are disposed on opposite sides  20   c  and  20   d  of reaction vessel  20   e . When in the closed position, the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  enclose the reaction vessel  20   e  between the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  within the elongated channel  102   a  of the top housing  48 . In this closed position the second light-blocking member  84  blocks light  164  emanating from a top portion  104   b  of reaction vessel  20   b  from reaching the reaction vessel  20   e . The light  164  was created due to the pre-trigger device  92  having injected a pre-trigger solution into reaction vessel  20   b  at location  165 . 
     In this closed position the second light-blocking member  80  blocks light  168  emanating from a top portion  104   a  of reaction vessel  20   a  from reaching the reaction vessel  20   e . The light  168  results due to the trigger device  94  injecting a trigger solution into reaction vessel  20   b  at location  96  which creates the light  168 . While in this closed position, with light  164  and  168  being blocked above the track  24  by the second light-blocking members  84  and  80 , the optical testing device  88  is used to diagnostically test the sample  22  within reaction vessel  20   e . The optical testing device  88  may comprise a chemiluminescence optical testing device. In other embodiments, the optical testing device  88  may vary. 
     The second light-blocking members  82  and  86  also comprise shutters. In the closed position the second light-blocking members  82  and  86  are disposed in the elongated channel  102   b  of the top housing  48  abutted against the track  24  at least partially surrounding reaction vessels  20   f  and  20   g  which are disposed on opposite sides of reaction vessel  20   h . When in the closed position, the second light-blocking members  82  and  86  enclose the reaction vessel  20   h  between the second light-blocking members  82  and  86  within the elongated channel  102   b  of the top housing  48 . In this closed position the second light-blocking member  86  blocks light  172  emanating from a top portion  104   g  of reaction vessel  20   g  from reaching the vessel  20   h . The light  172  results due to the pre-trigger device  93  having injected a pre-trigger solution into reaction vessel  20   g  at location  165 . 
     In this closed position the second light-blocking member  82  blocks light  176  emanating from a top portion  104   f  of reaction vessel  20   f  from reaching the reaction vessel  20   h . The light  176  results due to the trigger device  95  injecting a trigger solution into reaction vessel  20   f  at location  96 . While in this closed position, with light  172  and  176  being blocked above the track  24  by the second light-blocking members  86  and  82 , the optical testing device  90  (see  FIG. 4 ) is used to diagnostically test the sample  22  within reaction vessel  20   h . The optical testing device  90  may comprise a chemiluminescence optical testing device. In other embodiments, the optical testing device  90  may vary. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-section view through the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  of the testing device  44  of  FIG. 4  while the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  are disposed in the closed position. As shown, in this closed position the plurality of inner compartments  76   a ,  76   b , and  76   c  of the first light-blocking member  76  each completely enclose a separate respective reaction vessel  20  each holding a separate respective sample  22 . While in this closed position, the first light-blocking member  76  is disposed against a bottom of the track  24  (see  FIG. 5 ) completing enclosing the reaction vessels  20  within the inner compartments  76   a ,  76   b , and  76   c  of the first light-blocking member  76 . In this closed position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the frame member  74  and the optical reader  88   a  of the optical testing device  88  form walls of the inner compartments  76   a ,  76   b , and  76   c . As shown in  FIG. 7 , when the first light-blocking member  76  is disposed in this closed position the light  164  emanating from the reaction vessel  20   b  is blocked from reaching the bottom portion  100  of reaction vessel  20   e  below the track  24  (see  FIG. 5 ) due to the separated inner compartments  76   c  and  76   b  of the first light-blocking member  76 . Similarly, while the first light-blocking member  76  is disposed in this closed position the light  168  emanating from the reaction vessel  20   a  is blocked from reaching the bottom portion  100  of reaction vessel  20   e  below the track  24  (see  FIG. 5 ) due to the separated inner compartments  76   a  and  76   b  of the first light-blocking member  76 . The first light-blocking member  78  (see  FIG. 4 ) is a mirror image of the first light-blocking member  76  and functions the same way to block light from the reaction vessels disposed on the other side of the testing device  44  when disposed in the closed position. 
     Additionally, the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  in the closed position enclose the reaction vessel  20   e  between the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  within the elongated channel  102   a  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the top housing  48  (see  FIG. 5 ) thereby blocking the respective light  168  and  164  emanating from the reaction vessels  20   a  and  20   b  from reaching the top portion  104  of the reaction vessel  20   e  above the track  24  (see  FIG. 5 ). The second light-blocking members  82  and  86  (see  FIG. 5 ) are mirror images of the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  and function the same way to block light from the reaction vessels disposed on the other side of the testing device  44  when disposed in the closed position. 
     In such manner, as shown collectively in  FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 , when the first light-blocking members  76  and  78  and the second light blocking members  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and  86  are disposed in the closed positions the samples  22  contained in the reaction vessels  20   e  and  20   h  being tested by the optical testing devices  88  and  90  are blocked from exposure to light both above and below the track  24 . This is important as the exposure of the samples  22  contained in the reaction vessels  20   e  and  20   h  to light during testing can reduce the accuracy of the diagnostic testing of the samples. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 5  with the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) of the testing device  44  disposed in an open position (also referred to as the first position). It is noted that the first light-blocking member  78 , the second light-blocking members  82  and  86 , and the linkage members  59 ,  62 , and  66  of  FIGS. 4 and 5  are not shown to simplify the figure. As shown, the motor  50  has rotated so that the linkage members  54 ,  56 , and  58  have moved in downward direction  109  thereby moving the first light-blocking member  76  apart from the bottom housing  46  and disposing the reaction vessels  20  outside of the inner compartments of the first light-blocking member  76 . 
     Due to this downward movement, the linkage member  58  has been removed from contact with the tab  128  of the linkage member  70 . Due to the linkage member  70  being biased in the downward direction  109  as a result of biasing member  180  the linkage member  70  has moved in the downward direction  109 . This downward movement of linkage member  70  has correspondingly moved linkage member  68  in the downward direction  109  causing attached linkage members  60  and  64  (hidden from view) to pivot relative to the linkage member  68  and relative to the fixed pin  132 . This has caused a teeter-totter movement causing top portions  148  and  150  (hidden from view) of linkage members  60  and  64  (hidden from view) to move downwardly in direction  109 , and causing bottom portions  152  and  154  (hidden from view) of linkage members  60  and  64  (hidden from view) to move upwardly in direction  108 . This upward movement of the bottom portions  152  and  154  (hidden from view) of linkage members  60  and  64  (hidden from view) in direction  108  has caused the respectively attached second light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) to also travel upward in direction  108  so that they are disposed in the open position apart from the track  24  (see  FIG. 5 ) and at least partially outside of the top housing  48 , and outside of the elongated channels  102   a  of the top housing  48 . 
     The exact same mirrored movement occurs with respect to the not-shown first light-blocking member  78 , the second light-blocking members  82  and  86 , and the linkage members  59 ,  62 , and  66 , causing the second light-blocking members  82  and  86  to also be disposed in the identical open position apart from the track  24  and at least partially outside of the top housing  48 , and outside of the elongated channels  102   b  of the top housing  48 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-section view through the moving track  24  of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 1  with the testing device  44  of  FIG. 4  disposed in the open position relative to the moving track  24 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-section view through the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  of the testing device  44  of  FIG. 4  while the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  are disposed in the open position. As shown collectively in  FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 , the second light-blocking members  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and  86  are disposed in the open position apart from the track  24 , and at least partially outside of the top housing  48 , and outside of the elongated channels  102   a  and  102   b  of the top housing  48 . When the first light-blocking members  76  and  78  (hidden from view) and the second light-blocking members  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and  86  are disposed in the open positions of  FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 , the reaction vessels  20  are free to move in direction  40  through the elongated channels  102   a  and  102   b  of the top housing  48  and through the elongated channels  98  of the bottom housing  46  as the track  24  moves in direction  40 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 8  with the first light-blocking member  76  of the testing device  44  having advanced upwardly in direction  108 , and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) of the testing device  44  having advanced downwardly in direction  109  as a result of the motor  50  rotating to move the testing device  44  from the open position of  FIG. 8  towards the closed position. The reaction vessels  20  are beginning to be enclosed by the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) are beginning to at least partially block the elongated channel  102   a  of the top housing  48 . As noted previously, the first light-blocking member  78 , the second light-blocking members  82  and  86 , and the linkage members  59 ,  62 , and  66  are not shown to simplify the figure. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 11  with the first light-blocking member  76  of the testing device  44  having further advanced upwardly in direction  108  and the second light light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) of the testing device  44  having further advanced downwardly in direction  109  as a result of the motor  50  rotating to move the testing device  44  closer to the closed position. The reaction vessels  20  are further enclosed by the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) are further blocking the elongated channel  102   a  of the top housing  48 . As noted previously, the first light-blocking member  78 , the second light-blocking members  82  and  86 , and the linkage members  59 ,  62 , and  66  are not shown to simplify the figure. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 12  with the first light-blocking member  76  of the testing device  44  having still further advanced upwardly in direction  108  and the second light light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) of the testing device  44  having still further advanced downwardly in direction  109  as a result of the motor  50  rotating to move the testing device  44  closer to the closed position. The reaction vessels  20  are still further enclosed by the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) are still further blocking the elongated channel  102   a  of the top housing  48 . As noted previously, the first light-blocking member  78 , the second light-blocking members  82  and  86 , and the linkage members  59 ,  62 , and  66  are not shown to simplify the figure. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a front view of the diagnostic analyzer  10  of  FIG. 13  with the first light-blocking member  76  of the testing device  44  having further advanced upwardly in direction  108  to the closed position and the second light light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) of the testing device  44  having further advanced downwardly in direction  109  to the closed position as a result of the motor  50  rotating to move the testing device  44 . The reaction vessels  20  are completely enclosed by the first light-blocking member  76  and the second light-blocking members  80  and  84  (hidden from view) are blocking the elongated channel  102   a  of the top housing  48 . As noted previously, the first light-blocking member  78 , the second light-blocking members  82  and  86 , and the linkage members  59 ,  62 , and  66  are not shown to simplify the figure. 
     By further rotation of the motor  50  the process repeats itself and the testing device  44  can be moved from the closed position of  FIG. 14  back through the interim positions of  FIGS. 13, 12, and 11  to the open position of  FIG. 8 . In such manner, the motor  50  can open and close the testing device  44  to allow the reaction vessels  20  to move through the elongated channels  102   a  and  102   b  (see  FIG. 9 ) of the top housing  48  and to move through the elongated channels  98  (see  FIG. 9 ) of the bottom housing  46  when the testing device  44  is in the open position, and to block light from entering into the reaction vessel  20  being tested by the optical testing devices  88  and  90  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) when the testing device  44  is disposed in the closed position. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates one embodiment of a method  200  of diagnostically testing a sample. In step  202 , a reaction vessel is disposed through a slot in a track so that the reaction vessel is held by the slot. In step  204 , a track is moved holding the reaction vessel, which contains a sample, so that the reaction vessel is disposed adjacent to at least one light-blocking member in a first position disposed apart from the track allowing the sample to be exposed to light. The track may be linear. In the first position a first light-blocking member may be disposed below the track and a second light-blocking member may be disposed above the track. The first light-blocking member may comprise an inner compartment having an open top end, and the second light-blocking member may comprise a shutter. In the first position the first light-blocking member may be disposed under the track apart from an elongated channel of a bottom housing with the elongated channel holding a bottom portion of the reaction vessel. In the first position the second light-blocking member may be disposed over the track apart from an elongated channel of a top housing with the elongated channel holding a top portion of the reaction vessel. In the first position samples contained within reaction vessels, held on opposite sides of the track, may be exposed to light. 
     In step  206 , the at least one light-blocking member is moved from the first position to a second position closer to the track to dispose the reaction vessel held by the track within at least a portion of the at least one light-blocking member to block the sample contained within the reaction vessel from exposure to the light. This step may comprise moving the first and the second light-blocking members with a motor connected to a plurality of linkage members which are connected to the first and second light-blocking members. This step may further comprise moving the first light-blocking member relative to an attached frame member so that an optical reader of an optical testing device is disposed, when in the second position, adjacent to an inner compartment formed between the first light-blocking member and the attached frame member. 
     In the second position the first and second light-blocking members may at least partially close around the reaction vessel to block the sample contained within the reaction vessel from exposure to the light. In the second position the first light-blocking member may be disposed against a bottom surface of the track and the second light-blocking member may be disposed against a top surface of the track. In the second position the first light-blocking member may be disposed under the track within the elongated channel around the bottom portion of the reaction vessel. In the second position the second light-blocking member may be disposed within the elongated channel against the top portion of the track and adjacent to a side of the reaction vessel. In the second position a bottom portion of the reaction vessel may be disposed in an inner compartment of the first light-blocking member below a bottom portion of the track. 
     In the second position a shutter of the second light-blocking member may be disposed against a top portion of the track in-between the reaction vessel and a second reaction vessel held by the track with the shutter blocking the sample from exposure to the light from a second sample disposed within the second reaction vessel. In the second position a bottom portion of the reaction vessel may be disposed in one of a plurality of inner compartments of the first light-blocking member below a bottom portion of the track. In the second position a plurality of shutters of the second light-blocking member may be disposed on opposite sides of the reaction vessel against a top portion of the track in-between the reaction vessel and additional reaction vessels held by the track with the plurality of shutters blocking the sample from exposure to the light from additional samples disposed within the additional reaction vessels. In the second position each of separate respective light-blocking members disposed at opposite sides of the track may block the samples contained within the reaction vessels, held on the opposite sides of the track, from exposure to the light. 
     In step  208 , the sample is optically tested while the at least one light-blocking member is disposed in the second position. Step  208  may comprise conducting a chemiluminescence test on the sample. In other embodiments of the method  200 , one or more of the steps may be modified in substance or order, one or more of the steps may not be followed, or one or more steps may be added. 
     One or more embodiments of the disclosure may reduce one or more issues of one or more of the existing diagnostic analyzers by: increasing throughput of the diagnostic analyzer as a result of the samples being tested directly on the processing path; taking up less space as a result of the testing device being located directly on the processing path of the linear track of the diagnostic analyzer; and reducing manufacturing cost as a result of the simple and relatively inexpensive testing device of the diagnostic analyzer of the disclosure. 
     The Abstract is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.