System for automatically testing a fluid specimen
US6514461B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes an assaying device comprised of a collection cup and a cap which carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device is configured to operate in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A preferred reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device is comprised of a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.