Analyzer apparatus featuring a simplified incubator

In apparatus for the analysis of sample analytes using generally flat test elements having a first major surface that includes a sample-containing portion, and an opposing support surface, said apparatus including

• (i) an incubator capable of containing a plurality of said test elements,
• (ii) means for loading said test elements into said incubator at a first location, and means for unloading said test elements from said incubator at a second location, and
• (iii) means adjacent said second location for detecting a response in the incubated test elements;
• the improvement wherein said incubator comprises wall means for defining a stationary, generally elongated chamber and, at said first location, an access aperture permitting introduction of elements into said chamber, said chamber being adapted to support a plurality of said test elements in a configuration wherein each element is in contact with adjacent test elements and the sample-containing portion of all but one of said elements is covered by said one or more support surfaces of an adjacent element.

In apparatus for the analysis of sample analytes using generally flat test elements having a first major surface that includes a sample-containing portion, and an opposing support surface, said apparatus including

• (i) an incubator capable of containing a plurality of said test elements,
• (ii) means for loading said test elements into, and means for unloading said test elements from, said incubator, and
• (iii) means for detecting a response in the incubated test elements;
• the improvement wherein said incubator comprises wall means adapted to receive and maintain a plurality of said elements in a contiguous stack, with said sample-containing portion of all but one of said elements being covered by said one or more support surfaces of an adjacent element in the stack;
• said detecting means and said loading means being disposed with said stack generally between them and said detecting means being positioned to detect the bottommost element of said stack, said unloading means being disposed adjacent said detecting means.

In apparatus for the analysis of sample analytes using generally flat test elements having a first major surface that includes a sample-containing portion, and an opposing non-sample-containing surface, said apparatus including

• (i) an incubator capable of containing a plurality of said test elements,
• (ii) means for loading said test elements into said incubator at a first location, and means for unloading said test elements from said incubator at a second location, and
• (iii) means for detecting a response in the incubated test elements;
• the improvement wherein said incubator includes
• guide means for guiding a plurality of such test elements in succession from said first location to said second location with each element being in contact with adjacent elements;
• said loading means being disposed to orient elements in said guide means such that the sample-containing portion of all but one element is covered by said non-sample-containing surfaces of an adjacent element.

A method of detecting analytes of sample liquids by the generation of detectable responses in test elements each of which contains a quantity of one of said liquids in a sample-containing portion;

• the method comprising the steps of
• (a) sequentially placing the elements in a configuration wherein each element is in contact with the adjacent elements and the sample-containing portion of all but one of said elements is covered by a support surface of one of said adjacent elements;
• (b) detecting said responses of said elements in the same sequence as they are placed in said configuration;
• and
• (c) removing said test elements from said configuration either before or after said detecting step.

In apparatus for the analysis of sample analytes using generally flat test elements having a first major surface that includes a sample-containing portion, and an opposing support surface, said apparatus including

• (i) a radiometer capable of detecting a response in a test element,
• (ii) an incubator capable of maintaining a plurality of test elements under controlled conditions prior to detection of said test elements by said radiometer, and
• (iii) means for loading said test elements into said incubator at a first location, and means for unloading said test elements from said incubator at a second location;
• the improvement wherein said incubator includes means for (a) defining a path between said first and second locations, and (b) supporting a plurality of such elements for movement along said path with each element in contact with the adjacent elements and with the sample-containing portion of all but one of said elements being covered by said one or more support surfaces of an adjacent element.