(12) United States Patent
`Randrianarivo et al.
`
`USOO663.O108B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,630,108 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Oct. 7, 2003
`
`(54) OPTICAL MEASURING HEAD, IN
`PARTICULAR FOR AUTOMATIC
`CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL REACTION
`ANALYZER
`
`(75) Inventors: Jeanet Randrianarivo, Saint Martin de
`Londres (FR); Christiaan Vermeulen,
`SESR); Andre Chojnacki,
`
`(73) Assignee: Maximat SA, Montpellier (FR)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.:
`09/806,869
`(22) PCT Filed:
`Oct. 4, 1999
`(86) PCT No.:
`PCT/FR99/02360
`S371 (c)(1),
`(2), (4) Date: Apr. 5, 2001
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO00/22418
`PCT Pub. Date: Apr. 20, 2000
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`Oct. 8, 1998
`(FR) ............................................ 98 12757
`(51) Int. Cl................................................. G01N 21/25
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................... 422/63; 422/82.08; 422/82.09;
`356/73; 356/432
`(58) Field of Search ................................ 422/63, 82.08,
`422/82.09: 356/73, 432, 440, 434
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2Y-- 12
`
`OICOIl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`
`5/1973 Sweet ......................... 377/10
`3,736,432 A
`4,240,751 A 12/1980 Linnecke et al. ........... 356/409
`5,169,601 A : 12/1992 Ohta et al. .................... 422/73
`3: A : ... tset alm I
`6,024,920 A
`2/2000 Cunanan ...................... 422/63
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`35 OO 639 A1
`7/1985
`DE
`2. A1
`12,
`P
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Jeffrey Snay
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Oliff & Berridge, PLC.
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`An optical measuring head 10 of an automatic chemical or
`biochemical reaction analyzer comprises a first calorimetric
`analysis detector 12 controlled by a light Source 20 associ
`ated to an optic fibre 28 for transmission of the light beam
`to one of the Sides of a reaction analysis plate 18. A
`photodetector device 37 is arranged on the opposite Side to
`collect the light beam emerging from the cup 16. The light
`Source 20 and the reaction analysis plate 18 are Stationary
`whereas the measuring head 10 is mounted on a U-shaped
`mobile Support 19 framing the parallel opposite faces of the
`analysis plate 18 and able to be moved by a drive mechanism
`48 facing a predetermined cup 16. The optic fibre 28 has one
`end Secured to the fixed light Source 20 and an opposite end
`arranged in a housing 30 of the mobile Support 19.
`20 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
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`Oct. 7, 2003
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 6,630,108 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Oct. 7, 2003
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 6,630,108 B1
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`Oct. 7, 2003
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`US 6,630,108 B1
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`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 6,630,108 B1
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`1
`OPTICAL MEASURING HEAD, IN
`PARTICULAR FOR AUTOMATIC
`CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL REACTION
`ANALYZER
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The invention relates to an optical measuring head for an
`automatic laboratory chemical or biochemical reaction
`analyser designed to determine the dosing of components
`contained in Samples after mixing with reagents in cups of
`a reaction analysis plate, Said measuring head comprising:
`a first calorimetric analysis detector controlled by a light
`Source associated to an optic fibre for transmission of
`the light beam to one of the sides of the reaction
`analysis plate, coinciding with the optic axis of a
`predetermined cup, which cup is made of transparent
`material,
`means for focussing the light beam when the latter passes
`through the reaction mixture in Said cup,
`a photodetector device arranged on the opposite side of
`the analysis plate to collect the light beam emerging
`from the cup after this beam has been Subjected to an
`attenuation,
`and an electronic processing circuit for processing the
`Signal delivered by the photodetector device to deter
`mine the light spectrum or the optical density of the
`reaction mixture.
`
`STATE OF THE PRIOR TECHNIOUE
`To perform measurement of the optical density of a Solid,
`liquid or gas medium, it is necessary to have a reference light
`Source. This light Source operates in conjunction with an
`optical focussing, collimation or filtering System to generate
`the incident beam
`The whole of the measurement chain is mobile and the
`analysis plate Samples are fixed. Vibrations of the filament
`lamps can however give rise to measurement errors and
`reduce the lifetime of the lamps.
`OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
`A first object of the invention is to achieve an improved
`optical measuring head for a Sample analyser by high
`precision colorimetry.
`A Second object of the invention is to achieve a multiple
`optical measuring head Suitable for an automatic analyser
`integrating at least two measuring Systems for different
`applications and enabling the same Sample and reagent
`Storage equipment, the same Sampling equipment and the
`Same analysis plate to be kept.
`The optical measuring head according to the invention is
`characterized in that:
`the light Source and the reaction analysis plate are fixed,
`the measuring head comprises a U-shaped mobile Support
`framing the parallel opposite Sides of the reaction
`analysis plate and a drive mechanism of Said mobile
`Support to bring the first colorimetric analysis detector
`to face a predetermined cup,
`the optic fibre has one end Secured to the fixed light Source
`and an opposite end arranged in a first housing of the
`mobile Support.
`The light Source and the analysis plate are isolated from
`the measuring head, and the advantage of the System lies in
`the fact that the light Source and the Sample to be analysed
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`are protected from mechanical vibrations. The optic fibre
`arranged between the fixed light Source and the bottom part
`of the mobile Support is alone Subjected to torsional and
`flectional deformation movements during positioning of the
`measuring head. To prevent premature wear of the optic fibre
`due to the mechanical frictions caused by deformation, optic
`fibres provided with an external protective film made of
`highly resistant material should advantageously be used.
`According to a preferred embodiment, the first housing of
`the mobile Support contains an optical collimator to deliver
`a parallel light beam and a reference photoelectric detector
`connected to the electronic circuit to compensate the light
`flux variations when deformation of the optic fibre occurs. A
`Second housing is located opposite the first housing and
`contains an optical focussing System optically linked with
`the photo-detector device.
`According to one feature of the invention, the optical
`focussing System of the photo-detector device is connected
`to a diffraction network for Static wavelength Selection.
`According to a development of the invention, the mea
`Suring head is equipped with a Second photometric analysis
`detector arranged on the mobile Support to perform an
`opacimetry measurement. The Second photometric analysis
`detector comprises at least one light-emitting diode for
`emission of a monochromatic light, operating in conjunction
`with a receiver photodiode on the opposite side of the mobile
`Support.
`It is thus possible to integrate two different reading
`Systems in the measuring head of an analyser, enabling
`analyses to be performed on the one hand in biochemistry
`and immunology and on the other hand for hemostatic
`reactions, using the Same Sample and reagent Storage
`equipment, the same Sampling equipment, and the same
`analysis plate.
`In the analyser using the measuring head according to the
`invention, the bottom face of the analysis plate is confined
`in an enclosure kept at a preset temperature by a thermostatic
`control. The enclosure is advantageously provided with a
`deformable flexible wall allowing the mobile support to
`move under the analysis plate.
`According to another feature of the invention, the bottom
`face of the analysis plate is confined in an enclosure kept at
`a preset temperature by a thermostatic control. The enclo
`sure is advantageously provided with a deformable flexible
`wall allowing the mobile Support to move under the analysis
`plate.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Other advantages and features will become more clearly
`apparent from the following description of an embodiment
`of the invention given as a non-restrictive example only and
`represented in the accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a Schematic view of the analyser equipped with
`a mixed measuring head by colorimetry and photometry
`according to the invention;
`FIG. 2 shows a plan view of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 represents a schematic perspective view of the
`analyser,
`FIG. 4 is a similar view to FIG. 1 of an alternative
`embodiment using a measuring head by colorimetry.
`DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`In FIGS. 1 to 3, a measuring head 10 of a laboratory
`chemical or biochemical reaction analyser comprises a first
`calorimetric analysis detector 12 and a Second photometric
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`analysis detector 14 to determine the dosing of components
`contained in Samples, for example blood, cerebroSpinal
`liquid, or urine. The control mechanism of the automatic
`analyser takes a predefined quantity of Sample, and a pre
`defined quantity of reagent, then performs mixing of these
`quantities in cuplets 16 of a reaction analysis plate 18 in the
`form of a microplate. Measurement of the evolution of the
`optical density by the measuring head 10 defines the con
`centration of the component to be dosed directly according
`to a pre-established methodology.
`The first calorimetric analysis detector 12 uses a poly
`chromatic colorimeter to perform biochemistry and immu
`nology analyses. The Second photometric analysis detector
`14 makes use of monochromatic photometers for hemostasis
`reactions.
`The two detectors 12, 14 are mounted on a U-shaped
`mobile Support 19 which vertically frames the parallel
`opposite sides of the reaction analysis plate 18, which plate
`is fixed.
`Description of the First Calorimetric Analysis Detector
`The first colorimetric analysis detector 12 is controlled by
`a light Source 20 arranged in fixed manner on the frame of
`the analyser and comprising a lamp 22 associated to an
`optical focussing device formed by a pair of convergent
`lenses 24. The light energy emitted by the lenses 24 is
`concentrated on one end 26 of an optic fibre 28 for trans
`mission of the light beam to the first colorimetric analysis
`detector 12. The lamp 22 used can for example be of the
`halogen or Xenon type having a broad wavelength spectrum
`comprised between 340 nm and 700 nm, i.e. ranging from
`ultraViolet to infrared, or may be of the laser type.
`The other end of the optic fibre 28 is fixed in a first
`housing 30 at the bottom part of the mobile Support 19 So as
`to direct the light ray coinciding with the optical axis of a
`predetermined cup 16 of the reaction analysis plate 18. The
`housing 30 contains an optical collimator 32 designed to
`deliver a parallel light beam, which beam passes through the
`transparent bottom of the cup 16 and the reaction mixture 34
`and emerges via the meniscus of the mixture 34. A reference
`detector, 36 formed for example by a photoelectric cell, is
`also located in the housing 30 and operates in case of
`fluctuation of the light source 20 or attenuation of the light
`beam following deformation of the optic fibre 28.
`The top part of the mobile Support 19 is separated from
`the bottom part by the reaction analysis plate 18 and is
`equipped with a photodetector device 37. The latter device
`comprises an optical focussing System 38 Situated in a
`second housing 39 of the mobile Support 19 to collect the
`incident light on a Second optic fibre 40 connected to a
`diffraction network 42 fixed onto the rear part of the mobile
`support 19. The diffraction network 42 enables static wave
`length Selection to be performed and is associated to a
`plurality of photodiodes 44 connected to an electronic
`processing circuit 46 designed to detect the incident light
`Spectrum of the reaction mixture. Measurement of the opti
`cal density results from an equation linking the Signal
`coming from the reference detector 36 and the output signal
`of each photodiode 44.
`Movement of the mobile Support 19 takes place along two
`axes (arrows F1 and F2, FIG. 3) in the horizontal plane and
`is performed by a drive mechanism 48 with a stepper motor
`50. The measuring head 10 can thus be positioned coaxially
`on each cup 16 of the microplate. The optical collimator 32
`illuminates the bottom of the cup 16 and the light beam
`passes through the medium of the mixture 34, undergoing an
`attenuation. The optical focussing System 38 at the top part
`of the measuring head 10 recovers the ray emerging from the
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`cup 16 and conducts it to the diffraction network 42 and the
`photodiodes 44 to quantify this attenuation.
`The optic fibre 28 fitted between the fixed light source 20
`and the bottom part of the mobile support 19 is alone
`Subjected to torsional and flectional deformation movements
`during positioning of the measuring head 10 and prevents
`any transmission of mechanical vibrations to the light Source
`20 and the Sample to be measured on the fixed analysis plate
`18.
`To prevent premature wear of the optic fibre 28 due to the
`mechanical frictions caused by deformation, optic fibres
`provided with an external protective film made of highly
`resistant material should advantageously be used.
`Passage of the light beam in the optic fibre 28 generates
`an attenuation which varies according to the curvature taken
`for a location facing a predetermined cup. This curvature can
`however vary for the same location between two Separate
`measurements following a to-and-fro movement of the
`mobile Support 19. To prevent any measurement error aris
`ing from these variations, the photoelectric cell of the
`reference detector 36 located in the housing 30 quantifies the
`cumulated variation of the attenuation of the optic fibre 28
`and any deviation of the intensity of the light source 20
`which may occur. The electronic circuit 46 takes the mea
`Surement Supplied by the reference detector 36 into account
`and compensates the measurements delivered by the photo
`diodes 44.
`A biochemical or immunological reaction undergoes a
`relatively slow optical density evolution, and measurement
`with a frequency of every thirty Seconds is Sufficient to
`obtain a reliable result. The mobile Support 19 can then scan
`the other cups 16 before returning to make a measurement
`on the current cup.
`Description of the Second Photometric Analysis Detector
`The Second photometric analysis detector 14 is used for a
`hemostasis reaction in which the reaction mixture in the cup
`16a is formed by a Sample of human plasma and a specific
`reagent triggering a coagulation effect.
`Coagulation is accompanied by a variation of the opacity
`of the mixture in the cup 16a, and the role of the photometric
`analysis detector 14 is to determine, by means of a specific
`algorithm, the time required to obtain coagulation of the
`reaction mixture.
`When hemostatic analysis is performed, the variation of
`the opacity of the mixture varies very quickly at the moment
`coagulation takes place, and the timing precision must be to
`within a tenth of a Second. The coagulation reaction is
`Supervised continuously until the blood clot forms.
`The mobile support 19 of the measuring head 10 is
`provided at its bottom part with a row of six light-emitting
`diodes 52 for emission of a monochromatic light, each
`light-emitting diode being associated to a collimator. The
`light beam emitted by each diode 52 passes through the
`corresponding reaction cup 16.a following a vertical path. A
`series of six photodiodes 54 is arranged facing the diodes 52
`on the upper part of the measuring head 10 and intercepts the
`ray emerging from each cup 16.a for an opacity measure
`ment. The optical axis of each light-emitting diode 52
`corresponds to that of a photodiode 54 and to the main axis
`of the cup 16a. The energy Supplied by the light-emitting
`diodes 52 is sufficient to perform chronometric hemostatic
`analyses.
`The Six Sensors of the Second photometric analysis detec
`tor 14 enable monitoring of Several hemostatic reactions to
`be performed in parallel in the Six cups 16a.
`The present invention enables two different measurement
`Systems arranged on the mobile Support 19 to be integrated
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`in the measuring head 10. This arrangement enables analy
`SeS to be initiated in the fields of biochemistry, immunology,
`or hemostasis with the same Sample and reagent Storage
`Supports, the same Sampling equipment, and the same reac
`tion cups.
`A reaction in the biochemistry, immunology and hemo
`Stasis fields has to take place under conditions as close as
`possible to the natural environment where it normally takes
`place. The reagents used are moreover Sensitive to any
`temperature variation, especially for the enzyme type. The
`analysis plate 18 is kept at constant temperature throughout
`performance of the analysis. More often than not, this
`temperature is fixed at 37 C. to coincide with the tempera
`ture of the human body.
`With reference to FIG. 3, heating of the reaction analysis
`plate 18 to the required temperature is performed by forced
`convection of hot air at a temperature close to 37 C. To limit
`heat losses when the mobile support 19 is moved, a thermal
`enclosure 56 is arranged under the analysis plate 18. The
`enclosure 56 is formed by a flexible material with an
`accordion wall 58 securedly affixed to the mobile support 19
`and enabling the analysis plate 18 to be heated to the
`required temperature with minimum heat loSS, while allow
`ing full freedom of movement of the mobile support 19
`under the analysis plate 18. The volume of the enclosure 56
`is confined by four side walls and a bottom wall, the top wall
`being formed by the bottom face of the analysis plate 18.
`This plate can be heated by forced convection by means of
`a fan (not represented) and an electronic circuit controlled
`by temperature Sensors performs thermostatic regulation.
`The deformable rear wall fixedly secured to the mobile
`support 19 is formed by a flexible sheet arranged in the form
`of an accordion and in addition fixed against the Side walls
`of the enclosure 56. Movement of the mobile support 19
`deforms the flexible accordion wall 58, while at the same
`time ensuring that the thermostatic enclosure 56 is kept
`tightly Sealed.
`FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a measuring
`head 100 making use of a Single calorimetric analysis
`detector 112. All the parts identical to those of the device of
`FIG. 1 will not be described and will bear the same reference
`numbers in FIG. 4. The receiver photodiodes 144 are
`arranged directly up-line from the optical focussing System
`138 with respect to the direction of propagation of the light
`beam. The optic fibre 40 is then eliminated.
`The present invention naturally extends to encompass
`other chemical reaction analyses, and the measuring method
`by mobile optic fibre 28 of the first calorimetric analysis
`detector 12 can apply to any characterization of a Solid,
`liquid or gas medium in transmission, reflection, refraction,
`diffraction, or diffusion using a natural, polarized, or coher
`ent light in a monochromatic or polychromatic mode.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An optical measuring head for an automatic laboratory
`chemical or biochemical reaction analyser designed to deter
`mine the dosing of components contained in Samples after
`mixing with reagents in cups (16, 16a) of a reaction analysis
`plate (18), said measuring head comprising:
`a first colorimetric analysis detector (12, 122) controlled
`by a light source (20) associated to an optic fibre (28)
`for transmission of the light beam to one of the sides of
`the reaction analysis plate (18), coinciding with the
`optic axis of a predetermined cup, which cup is made
`of transparent material,
`means for focussing the light beam when the latter passes
`through the reaction mixture (34) in said cup (16),
`a photodetector device (37) arranged on the opposite side
`of the analysis plate (18) to collect the light beam
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`emerging from the cup (16) after this beam has been
`Subjected to an attenuation,
`and an electronic processing circuit (46) for processing
`the signal delivered by the photodetector device (37) to
`determine the light spectrum or the optical density of
`the reaction mixture (34),
`characterized in that:
`the light source (20) and the reaction analysis plate (18)
`are fixed,
`the measuring head (10, 100) comprises a U-shaped
`mobile Support (19) framing the parallel opposite sides
`of the reaction analysis plate (18), and a drive mecha
`nism (48) of said mobile Support to bring the first
`calorimetric analysis detector (12, 112) to face a pre
`determined cup,
`the optic fibre (28) has one end secured to the fixed light
`Source (20) and an opposite end arranged in a first
`housing (30) of the mobile Support (19).
`2. An analyser comprising an optical measuring head
`according to claim 1, a thermal enclosure designed to
`receive Said analysis plate, characterized in that the bottom
`face of the analysis plate (18) is kept at a preset temperature
`by a thermostatic control.
`3. The optical measuring head according to claim 1,
`characterized in that the first housing (30) of the mobile
`Support contains an optical collimator (32) to deliver a
`parallel light beam and a reference photoelectric detector
`(36) connected to the electronic circuit (46) to compensate
`the light flux variations when deformation of the optic fibre
`occurs (28).
`4. The optical measuring head according to claim 3,
`characterized in that the measuring head (10) is equipped
`with a second photometric analysis detector (14) arranged
`on the mobile Support (19) to perform an opacimetry mea
`Surement.
`5. An analyser comprising an optical measuring head
`according to claim 3, and a thermal enclosure designed to
`receive Said analysis plate, characterized in that the bottom
`face of the analysis plate (18) is kept at a preset temperature
`by a thermostatic control.
`6. The optical measuring head according to claim 3,
`characterized in that the mobile Support (19) comprises a
`second housing (39) located opposite the first housing (30)
`and containing an optical focussing System (38) optically
`linked with the photodetector device (37).
`7. The optical measuring head according to claim 6,
`characterized in that the measuring head (10) is equipped
`with a Second photometric analysis detector (14) arranged
`on the mobile Support (19) to perform an opacimetry mea
`Surement.
`8. An analyser comprising an optical measuring head
`according to claim 6, and a thermal enclosure designed to
`receive Said analysis plate, characterized in that the bottom
`face of the analysis plate (18) is kept at a preset temperature
`by a thermostatic control.
`9. The optical measuring head according to claim 1,
`characterized in that the optical focussing System (38) is
`connected to a diffraction network (42) for static wavelength
`Selection.
`10. The optical measuring head according to claim 9,
`characterized in that the measuring head (10) is equipped
`with a Second photometric analysis detector (14) arranged
`on the mobile Support (19) to perform an opacimetry mea
`Surement.
`11. An analyser comprising an optical measuring head
`according to claim 9, and a thermal enclosure designed to
`receive Said analysis plate, characterized in that the bottom
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`face of the analysis plate (18) is kept at a preset temperature
`by a thermostatic control.
`12. The optical measuring head according to claim 9,
`characterized in that the optical focussing System (38) is
`connected to the diffraction network (42) by means of a
`second optic fibre (40).
`13. The optical measuring head according to claim 12,
`characterized in that the measuring head (10) is equipped
`with a Second photometric analysis detector (14) arranged
`on the mobile Support (19) to perform an opacimetry mea
`Surement.
`14. An analyser comprising an optical measuring head
`according to claim 12, and a thermal enclosure designed to
`receive Said analysis plate, characterized in that the bottom
`face of the analysis plate (18) is kept at a preset temperature
`by a thermostatic control.
`15. An optical measuring head, in particular for an auto
`matic laboratory chemical or biochemical reaction analyser
`designed to determine the dosing of components contained
`in Samples after mixing with reagents in cups (16, 16a) of a
`reaction analysis plate (18), Said measuring head compris
`Ing:
`a first colorimetric analysis detector (12, 122) controlled
`by a light source (20) associated to an optic fibre (28)
`for transmission of the light beam to one of the sides of
`the reaction analysis plate (18), coinciding with the
`optic axis of a predetermined cup, which cup is made
`of transparent material;
`means for focussing the light beam when the latter passes
`through the reaction mixture (34) in said cup (16);
`a photodetector device (37) arranged on the opposite side
`of the analysis plate (18) to collect the light beam
`emerging from the cup (16) after this beam has been
`Subjected to an attenuation; and
`an electronic processing circuit (46) for processing the
`signal delivered by the photodetector device (37) to
`determine the light Spectrum or the optical density of
`the reaction mixture (34),
`wherein the light Source (20) and the reaction analysis
`plate (18) are fixed, the measuring head (10, 100) is
`mounted on a U-shaped mobile support (19) framing
`the parallel opposite sides of the reaction analysis plate
`(18) and able to be moved by a drive mechanism (48)
`to bring the first colorimetric analysis detector (12,112)
`to face a predetermined cup, the optic fibre (28) has one
`end secured to the fixed light source (20) and an
`opposite end arranged in a first housing (30) of the
`mobile support (19), and the measuring head (10) is
`equipped with a Second photometric analysis detector
`(14) arranged on the mobile Support (19) to perform an
`opacimetry measurement.
`16. An analyser comprising an optical measuring head
`according to claim 15, and a thermal enclosure designed to
`receive Said analysis plate, characterized in that the bottom
`face of the analysis plate (18) is kept at a preset temperature
`by a thermostatic control.
`17. The optical measuring head according to claim 15,
`characterized in that the Second photometric analysis detec
`tor (14) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (52) for
`emission of a monochromatic light, operating in conjunction
`with a receiver photodiode (54) on the opposite side of the
`mobile support (19).
`18. An analyser comprising an optical measuring head
`according to claim 17, and a thermal enclosure designed to
`receive Said analysis plate, characterized in that the bottom
`face of the analysis plate (18) is kept at a preset temperature
`by a thermostatic control.
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`8
`19. An optical measuring head, in particular for an auto
`matic laboratory chemical or biochemical reaction analyser
`designed to determine the dosing of components contained
`in Samples after mixing with reagents in cups (16, 16a) of a
`reaction analysis plate (18), Said measuring head compris
`ing:
`a first colorimetric analysis detector (12, 122) controlled
`by a light source (20) associated to an optic fibre (28)
`for transmission of the light beam to one of the sides of
`the reaction analysis plate (18), coinciding with the
`optic axis of a predetermined cup, which cup is made
`of transparent material;
`means for focussing the light beam when the latter passes
`through the reaction mixture (34) in said cup (16);
`a photodetector device (37) arranged on the opposite side
`of the analysis plate (18) to collect the light beam
`emerging from the cup (16) after this beam has been
`Subjected to an attenuation; and
`an electronic processing circuit (46) for processing the
`signal delivered by the photodetector device (37) to
`determine the light spectrum or the optical density of
`the reaction mixture (34),
`wherein the light Source (20) and the reaction analysis
`plate (18) are fixed, the measuring head (10, 100) is
`mounted on a U-shaped mobile support (19) framing
`the parallel opposite sides of the reaction analysis plate
`(18) and able to be moved by a drive mechanism (48)
`to bring the first calorimetric analysis detector (12,112)
`to face a predetermined cup, the optic fibre (28) has one
`end secured to the fixed light source (20) and an
`opposite end arranged in a first housing (30) of the
`mobile Support (19), the bottom face of the analysis
`plate (18) is confined in a closed enclosure (56) kept at
`a preset temperature by a thermostatic control and the
`enclosure (56) is provided with a deformable flexible
`wall (58) allowing the mobile Support (19) to move
`under the analysis plate (18).
`20. An optical measuring head, in particular for an auto
`matic laboratory chemical or biochemical reaction analyser
`designed to determine the dosing of components contained
`in Samples after mixing with reagents in cups (16, 16a) of a
`reaction analysis plate (18), Said measuring head compris
`Ing:
`a first colorimetric analysis detector (12, 122) controlled
`by a light source (20) associated to an optic fibre (28)
`for transmission of the light beam to one of the sides of
`the reaction analysis plate (18), coinciding with the
`optic axis of a predetermined cup, which cup is made
`of transparent material;
`means for focussing the light beam when the latter passes
`through the reaction mixture (34) in said cup (16);
`a photodetector device (37) arranged on the opposite side
`of the analysis plate (18) to collect the light beam
`emerging from the cup (16) after this beam has been
`Subjected to an attenuation
`a Second Sensor having a row of a plurality of light
`emitting diodes (52) and associated with receiver
`diodes, and
`an electronic processing circuit (46) for processing the
`signal delivered by the photodetector device (37) to
`determine the light spectrum or the optical density of
`the reaction mixture (34),
`wherein the light Source (20) and the reaction analysis
`plate (18) are fixed, the measuring head (10, 100) is
`mounted on a U-shaped mobile support (19) framing
`
`Agilent Exhibit 1214
`Page 9 of 10
`
`

`

`US 6,630,108 B1
`
`9
`the parallel opposite sides of the reaction analysis plate
`(18) and able to be moved by a drive mechanism (48)
`to bring the first colorimetric analysis detector (12,112)
`to face a predetermined cup, the optic fibre (28) has one
`end secured to the fixed light source (20) and an 5
`opposite end arranged in a first housing (30) of the
`
`10
`mobile support (19), and the measuring head (10) is
`equipped with a Second photometric analysis detector
`(14) arranged on the mobile Support (19) to perform an
`opacimetry measurement.
`
`k
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Agilent Exhibit 1214
`Page 10 of 10
`
`