Reaction segment for an automatic sample analyzer

Claim 1

In combination, an automatic colorimetric sample analyzer and reaction segments; said automatic colorimetric sample analyzer comprising: a revolving, circular plate defining a perimeter and including a plurality of openings spaced at a distance from said perimeter; a magazine for stocking non-used reaction segments; a loading device for reaction segments; an unloading device for reaction segments; and said loading device being located at a rear portion of said magazine and cooperating with said non-used reaction segments in said magazine; said loading device comprising a motive member that moves along a vertical axis, said motive member comprising a cap, a retention element and a thruster element attached to one another and rotationally mounted on said cap, and levers rotationally mounted on said cap; and a fixed cam including first and second surfaces, fixed to said motive member so that, during upward and downward movement of said motive member, said levers cooperate with said first and second surfaces of said cam; and each of said reaction segments adapted to be removably mounted in said revolving plate, and comprising: a plurality of vertical reaction vessels uniformly spaced along an arc of a circumference of a circle each defining an inner concave side; a horizontal bar affixed to each said inner concave side; a horizontal plate extending from said inner concave side; and means fixed to said horizontal plate for positioning and guiding said reaction segments into the loading and unloading devices and into said plurality of openings in said revolving plate.