Cuvette cartridge

Abstract

A cuvette cartridge which is adapted for use with analyzer apparatus. The disposable, substantially rigid cartridge includes a chamber and a plurality of cuvettes disposed adjacent the chamber. The cartridge has no secondary air escape means. An opening is located between the chamber and each cuvette. The cartridge is preferably filled by a series of pressurizing operations in which pressure is exerted on fluid in the chamber and fluid from the chamber is forced into the cuvettes. The air pressure in the cuvettes and chamber is then equalized, after which the chamber is again pressurized and fluid is again forced into the cuvettes. The filling operation is repeated until the cuvettes are filled to the desired level. The cuvette filling operation occurs in essentially a closed system so that the air in the cuvettes is not permitted to escape during a filling operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.