SE361217

1,240,308. Programmed testing. J. J. MORAN. Oct. 25, 1968 [June 14, 1968], No. 6506/70. Divided out of 1, 240, 303. Heading G3N. A control means of the sequential indexing of a plurality of reaction tubes through a sample dispensing station, a reagent dispensing station, and a read-out station for analysing the contents of the tubes, compromised a test programme selection board (399) Figs. 2, 3 (not shown) a stationary board 462, electrically connected to the selection board, and having a plurality of electrical contacts each associated with a test programmed by the selection board, a movable board 464 having a plurality of electrical contacts 465 co-operative with the contacts of the stationary board and means 470, 468, 466 for indexing the movable board in synchronism with the movement of the reaction tubes, whereby the programmed information is transmitted from the stationary board to the various stations. The control means may include reagent selection board 113 having a plurality of receptacles 119a connected to means controlling the dispensing of reagents, and a plurality of receptables 121a corresponding to different reagent dispensing stations. Positions 121a are connected to reagent dispensing pins 465 on board 464 and by cables 117 to the appropriate reagent dispensing positions 119a. When board 464 reaches a particular station the appropriate reagent is dispensed into the reaction tube in the programmed amount. Synchronization of the movement of the reaction tubes on their conveyer (22) Fig. 8 (not shown), of the sample vessel turntable (32) and of sweep board 464 is obtained by means of switches (479) (operated by the conveyer), (480) (operated by the turntable), and series connections through the switches and through board 464.