Patent ID: 7056473

Claim:
A sample testing apparatus for use in quantitatively measuring an amount of an analyte in a fluid sample, comprising: (1) a plurality of separate sample wells arranged in a row, each for receiving a sample containing an analyte; (2) a quantity of solid analyte binding agent disposed in each of the sample wells; (3) a mixing assembly having: (a) a plurality of mixing elements, including at least one paddle in each sample well for aiding in mixing of the sample with the solid analyte binding agent; (b) a rotary shaft extending lengthwise of the row of sample wells, said shaft having a plurality of peripheral lobes including a plurality of circumferentially spaced first and second peripheral cam lobes of different heights aligned with and engageable against each of the mixing elements; (4) a barrier within each sample well normally impeding flow of the sample from the sample well, the mixing elements including puncture members aligned with the bafflers and moveable to puncture positions for penetrating the bafflers to provide apertures permitting discharge of samples from the sample wells; (5) a biasing device for biasing the mixing elements from a second position to a first position within the sample wells; and (6) an actuator assembly for rotating the rotary shaft such that at least the first cam lobes engage and move the mixing elements in the sample cells such that the paddles are selectively reciprocated back and forth between the first position and the second position for mixing the sample with the solid analyte binding agent, at least one of the second cam lobes for each of the sample wells and said puncture elements being constructed and arranged relatively such that selective rotary movement of the rotary shaft moves the puncture elements of the respective mixing elements to the puncture positions for penetration of the barriers by the puncture members.