US2639979A - Urinalysis device - Google Patents

Description

May 26, 1953 w. GOODMAN URINALYSIS DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 20, 1946' V//////////V////I/ Woh Good mar? INVENTOR.

ATTbR E'r.

w. GOODMAN URINALYSIS DEVICE May 26, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 20, 1946 Wolf Goodman INVENTOR'.

ATTORNEY.

y 25, 1953 w. GOODMAN 2,639,979

URINALYSIS DEVICE Filed April 20, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 g W0! Good marl INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

May 26, 1953 w. GOODMAN URINALYSIS DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 20, 1946 .Wolf Goodman INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

I'll/I III/III] IIIIIIII Patented May 26, 195 3 URINALYSIS DEVICE Wolf Goodman,

Houston,

Tex., assignor to Southern Detector Corporation, Houston, Tex.,

a corporation of Texas Application April 20, 1946, Serial No. 663,742

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in urinalysis devices.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved device for making an analysis of urine to determine the presence of sugar or albumin therein.

An important object of the invention is to provide an improved urinalysis device arranged to receive the specimen or sample to be tested and having means for mixing said specimen with the usual chemical reagents ordinarily employed for sugar and albumin tests; the chemical being in tablet form, whereby handling and introduction of the chemicals into the specimen is simplified and also whereby the proper amount of chemical is introduced and admixed with the specimen upon each operation of the device to assure accurate tests of said specimen.

Another object of the invention is to providean improved urinalysis device which is entirely 1 self-contained and which is automatic in its operation in accomplishing the tests for determining the presence of sugar and albumin in the specimen; the device being so constructed that it may either be started automatically by the insertion of a coin or may be manually started by an electrical push button or switch lever.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved device, of the character described, wherein the chemical reagent tablets which are introduced into the specimen to effect the tests are disposed within containers removably mounted within the device, the removability of said containers facilitating replacement thereof when said containers are emptied of their contents; the containers in which the tablets are disposed co-acting with a dispenser which is automatically controlled in its actuation to eject one tablet from each container upon each operation of the device.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved device, of the character described, wherein the specimen is manually introduced into said device, after which a complete cycle of operation occurs automatically to make the tests, said cycle including the lighting of electrical lamps to increase visibility of the results of the test, the addition of the chemical reagents to the specimen, actuation of heating elements to heat the specimens after the chemicals are added, shutting off said heating elements, flushing fresh water through the unit after the test is complete, and finally extinguishing the electrical'lamps, said cycle of operation being controlled by a single electrical timing motor, whereby the construction of the device is simplified and efilcient automatic operation is assured.

A particular object of the invention is to provide an improved urinalysis device, wherein the specimen being tested is clearly visible to the observer at all times, whereby the tests may be observed as they are being made and the results clearly seen; the device also including comparison colored lights which are located on the exterior of the device adjacent the viewing Windows to facilitate the observer readily ascertaining the results of the tests. Of course, charts or other indicators may be used.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved device, of the character described, wherein all of the operating parts of the device are mounted on a single panel which is readily removable from the casing of said device as a unit; the tablet containers, as well as the test bulbs which receive the specimens, being further detachably mounted on the panel to permit their separate removal for replacement, cleaning or repair.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved urinalysis device having means for accurately controlling the volume of urine which is introduced into the test bulb wherein the test for sugar presence is made since in such test,

the volume of the specimen controls the color obtained after the chemical is added and heat applied; control of the volume in this manner assuring that accurate and consistent sugar tests will be made by the device.

The construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a urinalysis device, constructed in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is an elevation of the interior of the device, the hinged front of the casing being removed,

Figure 3 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the line 33 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view, taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view. taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 3,

Figure 6 is a vertical, sectional detail of the Figure 9 is an enlarged, sectional detail of the funnel which receives the specimen,

Figure 10 is an isometric View of one of the heater elements,

Figure 11 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view of said heater element,

Figure 12 is an isometric viewof the timing motor, timing cams and control switches,

Figure 13 is a horizontal section, taken on the line I 3-! 3 of Figure l2,

Figure 14 is a wiring diagram of the device, and 1 Figure 15 is a sectional view illustrating the substitution of a coin control for the push button shown in Figure 14:.

In the drawings, the numeral l0 designates a casing or housing which is generally rectangular in shape and which has its front side open. The front side is adapted to be closed by a hinged cover H which is normally retained in a closed position by a suitable iock $2. The casing or housing is arranged to be attached to a wall in any desired manner or may be mounted by suitable brackets (not shown) on a support. hinged cover or closure 5 l is provided with a pair of viewing Windows i3 and M which may be closed by transparent panes 15. As will be explained, the tests made by the device may be observed through the windows 53 and kl and immediately above said windows is a pair of colored comparison lights 16 and H. The colors of the lights are such as to facilitate an interpretation of the tests which are observed through the windows, as

Willbe explained in detail. An electrical starting button [3 is also mounted in the hinged closure or cover I! and manual depression or" the button will place the apparatus into operation; if desired, the push button It may be eliminated and acoin slot provided so that the insertion of a coin may function to operate the device.

Within the interior of the casing or housing is mounted a main supporting panel I9, this panel being secured to the rear wall of the oasing' by means of spacer posts 20 and screws 2 i A horizontal plate or support 22 is secured to the panel I9 by screws 23 and extends forwardly from said panel (Figure 3). An extension 24 which is preferably formed integral with the plate 22..extends forwardly from the horizontal edge of said plate and has a slot 25, rectangular in cross-section extending entirely therethrough. A slide bar 2G (Figures 6 and '1) is slidable within the rectangular slot 25 and this bar. is provided with a circular opening 21 in one end there-.

of, with a similar opening 28 in its opposite end. As is clearly shown in Figures 6 and .7, the slide bar has a length which is greater than. the lengthof theextension 24 and its slot 25,,whereby the ends of the bar project beyond the ends,

of .the extension. The slide bar 26 is adapted to be moved within the slot 25 by means offan electric relay or solenoid 29. The actuating arm 30 of the solenoid is connected by an angular link member 3| with an upright arm 32 which is formed integral with and extends upwardlyfrom the slide bar 26; The angular link has an ear 33 to which one end of a coil spring 34 is connected and the opposite end of said spring is connected to a stationary post 35 which is se- The cured to the plate or support 22. The upright arm 32 or" the slide bar moves within a slot 36 provided for this purpose in the top of the extension 24, whereby movement of the slide bar is permitted when the solenoid 2'3 is energized to impart movement to its actuating arm.

It is apparent that the coil spring 34 constantly exerts its tension to hold. the slide bar in the position shown in Figure 6, in which position the opening 21 is outside of the slot 25 within the extension 24. When the solenoid is energi zed, its actuating arm is drawn into the coils of saidsolenoid and the slide 26 is moved to the position shown in. Figure '1. In such position the opening 28, inthe opposite end of the bar is moved out of theslot 25.

The slide bar 26 forms an ejector and said bar is adapted'to co-act with chemical tablets A which-are disposed within a tube 31 and also with chemical tablets B located within a similar tube 33 The tube 31 has its lower end engaged within an annular recess 39 which is formedin,

the upper surface of the extension 24 within which the slide 26 is movable.

edge of a flat plate member 400, which extends forwardly from the upper portion of themain The lower end of thev tube 38 is confined within an annular recess 41 also formed in the top of theextension 24, while supporting panel Hi.

the upper portion of said tube is retainedwith:

in a spring clip 42 which is also secured. to and. extends forwardly from the edge of thesupport-v It will be obvious that with,

irig member 40a. this mounting of the tubes 31 and 38, said tubes may be readily and easily removed from. their retained position, whereby replacement of said,

tubes is facilitated.

The tubes 31 and 38, are positioned so that the tablets which are located therein may pass doWn-,

wardly from the tubes into the openings 21 and 28 of the slide 26. A circular opening 43 is formed in the extension below the tube 31 whereby the,

tablets A within the tube 31 may pass downward:

ly and engage the upper surface of the slide 26,;

as shown in Figure 6. A similar circular opening 44 is provided below the tube 38 so that the tablets B within said tubemay passdownwardly and engage the upper surface of the slide, as

shownin Figure '1. The spacing of the holes 25 of the extension 24.

the slide bar so that the tablet will substantially fill the opening and will have its upper and lower...v surfaces lying flush with the top and bottom of the slide bar.

Whentheslide bar 25 moves fromthe position shown in Figure 6 to that shown in Figure,

7, the tablet B which has entered the opening 28,

will be moved outwardly of the slot 25 and will fall downwardly from theopening 28, whereby, the tablet is ejected. At the same timethat the tablet B within the opening 28 is ejected, the

opening 21 moves into alignment beneath the outlet 43-and tube 31;whereby a tabletA from the tube 31 may enter the opening 21. Upon re;

turn of the slide bar to its originalpositioniFig- The upper. por-. tion of the tube 31 is clamped within a frictional, spring clip 40 which is secured to the forward ure 6), the tablet A which has entered the opening 21 will be ejected from said opening, in the same manner that the tablet B was ejected from the opening 28 in the opposite position of the slide bar. Thus, it will be seen that upon one complete reciprocation of the slide bar, one of the tablets A will be ejected from the tube 31 and one of the tablets B will be ejected from the tube 39. The operation is accomplished by momentarily energizing the solenoid 29 to impart movement to its actuating bar 30.

Each tablet A comprises a chemical which is suitable for an albumin test of a urine specimen. The particular tablet used is subject to variation since several known reagents may be used for this test. As an example, sulfasalyacillic acid has been found to be entirely satisfactory because it can be readily compounded in tablet form which will dissolve quickly in the liquid. Each tablet B comprises a chemical which is suitable for a sugar test of of a urine specimen and as is the case with respect to the tablets A, the tablets B are also subject to variation. As an example, the tablet B may contain Benedicts solution which has been found satisfactory for accurately testing for the presence of sugar. However, it is particularly pointed out that any material in tablet form capable of making sugar and albumin tests may be employed.

When the slide ejector is actuated to eject a tablet A from the tube 31 and a tablet B from the tube 38, the tablet A is arranged to drop into a test receptacle or bulb 45, while the tablet B drops into a test receptacle or bulb 45. The receptacles or bulbs and 46 are constructed of glass or other transparent material and are made integral with a glass tubular element 41. Above the bulbs, the element 41 is formed with flared funnels 48 and 49 which have their upper ends open and which assure the entry of the tablets into the bulbs. The element 41 has a reduced inlet end 56 and an enlarged outlet end 5l'and the element is supported in position below the slide ejector by means of spring clips 52 which extend forwardly from the main supporting panel IS. The inlet end of the element 41 is connected to a water inlet valve 53, which valve is secured to the rear side of the panel 19. The valve 53 is electrically operated by a relay 54 which is built into the valve. Said valve also has connection with a water inlet pipe 55 which extends into the casing through the bottom thereof. A metering valve 56 may be connected in the inlet line 55. When the relay 54 is energized to open the valve 53, fresh water is introduced through the inlet 5| and flows through the element 41; in so doing this fresh water flushes out the bulbs 45 and 46. The flushing water is discharged from the discharge end 5| of the element 4'! and into a discharge pipe 51 which extends downwardly through the bottom of the casing. A portion of the flushing water escapes from the central portion of the tubular element 41 through outlet 58 which has connection through a conductor 59 with the main discharge pipe 51. The relay actuated water valve is operated after the tests made by the apparatus are complete so as to thoroughly flush out the bulbs 45 and 46.

For introducing the specimen of urine to be tested into the apparatus, the tubular element is provided with a reduced, inverted T-shaped tube 60. One leg 6| of the tube 60 has its open end over-hanging the bulb 45. The opposite leg 62 of said tube (Figure 2) has its end formed with a small flask 63 having a reduced opening 64 in its lower end. The flask 63 is of a predetermined size so that when the urine specimen opening 64 leading from the flask. Upon the initial introduction of the specimen liquid the tubular element 60 and flask will completely fill with said liquid and then the liquid within the tube 66 will escape through the outlet end of the tube. Because the flask is in a plane below the outlet end, the liquid in the flask will not flow upwardly into the tube 60 but can escape from the flask only through the reduced opening 64 into the bulb 46. The purpose of the reduced opening 64 is to impede the escape of liquid from the flask upon the initial introduction of liquid so as to momentarily hold substantially all of the liquid in the flask in order to allow sumcient time for the remainder of the liquid to flow from the larger outlet of the opposite leg 6| of the tubular element 6!). From the flask the predetermined volume will flow into the test bulb 46 and in this manner the same amount of urine to be tested will be introduced into the bulb 46 upon each operation of the apparatus.

The inlet tube 60 is connected through a conductor 65 with the lower end of an inlet funnel 66, which funnel is mounted within an opening 61 (Figure 9) in the top of the casing In. The funnel 66 is retained in position within the opening by suitable clamps 68 and the upper portion of the funnel has a circular spray tube 69 mounted therein. The spray tube has connection with an angular pipe 19 which extends downwardly through the wall of the funnel and this pipe is connected by a conductor H with the water inlet valve 53.

The specimen of urine is poured into the funnel 66 and flows downwardly through the con-- ductor 65 into the inlet tube 60. Flowing through the legs of branches BI and 62 of the inlet tube, the specimen enters the bulbs 45 and 46, the volume entering the latter bulb being controlled by the size of the flask 63 at the end of the leg 62 of said inlet tube. After the specimen has been introduced into the test bulbs 45 and 46, the ejector or slide bar 26 is actuated by energizing the solenoid 29 and a tablet A is thereby introduced into the bulb 45 and a tablet B is introduced into the bulb 46.

In order to properly accomplish the tests, it is necessary that heat be app-lied to the specimen under test and for this purpose, a pair of heaters 12 and I3 are provided. The heaters are constructed in an identical manner and are clearly shown in Figures 10 and 11. Each heater comprises a main body 14 having a recess 15 in its forward portion for receiving the test bulb. A heating wire it is engaged within longitudinal channels or grooves 11 formed in the wall of the recess 15 and obviously when current is passed through the heating wire, heat will be applied to the bulb disposed within the recess 15. The heaters are secured to the main supporting panel 19 by suitable screws 14a and the heater [2 surrounds the bulb 45, while the heater 13 surrounds the bulb 46. v

The operation of the heaters 12 and 73 is electrically controlled so that after the ejector or slide bar 26 has actuated to deposit the tablets A and.-B:gin thebulbs 45 .and 46, the..heatersare.- operated; to .apply heattothe .contentscof. said bulbs. As thelchemical reaction-occurs-the color of the contents of thebulbs Hand 46 will change. Withwespect to the bulb, EBawhich receives the. tabletiA-forthe albumin test, .-it is desirable to paint-the rear surface of the bulb lfiablackzto facilitatendetermining resultsof the test. If :no albumin-is presentinthe specimen, the. fiuid; remains clearin colorand .by-paintihg therearof theylbulb 45 black,.- the clearness-of the fluid. would-mot. be..visible so that in appearance the contents, of.-th,e,bulb L45 would be black. How,- ever it albumin is-present, the contents of the bulbAi-become cloudy and this cloudinesacan be readilyaobserved against the. blackbackground... The bulb-; i5 and its contentsarezviewed through the ,window I3; and a conical, tube -18 :Whichex tends fromv this window to a, point adjacent the. bulb-;facilitates viewing said contents.- The 001- 20 ored light I 6- which is immediately above the-Windowrli will be black in color ,so that the observer. knows that so longasthe color of the contents. of the bulb time-ton thecolor orrthelightifi; thestestindicates the absence of albumin. Anyvariationof the color of. the contents from the, colored ,lightlS'will indicatethe presence of. albuminin the specimen,

When the. tablet B is deposited within the bulb 46 and the heater 13 actuated-the test for sugar .30 is accomplished. If;no,sugar is presentand presuming that I the; tablet includes Benedict/s solution themontents ofythe bulb tfigwill turn blue in color. The contents of, :the; bulb ifizare, of course, viewed through thewindow-M;a conical tube- 19 which extends from the Window to a point adjacent the .bulb ie-facilitating this viewing. H The coloredvlight l1 abovethe window I4 is blue in color and so long. as the contents g of ther t lbe 46;-.matcl1 this-color -the observer-A0 knows that no sugar is present, If there is sugar present in the specimen within the bulb 46;,the, colorof the contents of the bulbdfiwill gradually; c an e; from blue to green,- then. to -ye1l0 w ;and finally .-to red if the sugar content is excessive. Thus,- by noting any variation inthe color of the. contents of the bulb at with; relation A to the or-of. e c p i o l ht 11, eebse iv an q readily,determine whether-the test shows the presence ,of sugar, To .assist in observing the 50 contents'of thebulbs i5, and it: suitable electrical, lamps-1 .0 re o te med t behind each bulbdn a-suitable braclretisl which is secured to the pa-nelJ 9.;

After the tests are complete theelectricalap- ,55 paratus; which will be hereinafter described in detail,,actuates the water inlet valve53 and; freshwater is introduced and flushed through; theutubular element 4?, aswell as through the bulbsfiiandflfi tel-thoroughly cleanse these parts, The fresh water introduced by. opening of the valve 53 also flowsupwardly throughthe conductor 1| and is sprayed into the.funnel '66-; through-the spray pipe 69. This fresh water; fiows; downwardly; through the conductor. [55 zand, througl1 -the;inlet tube some thoroughly lfiush and V cleainthis ;tu1o e.- v Theflushing water is thel'l diS- charged through the dischar e Elof the element, 41 andalso through the outlet 58,; frompwhich'. points. it escapes through the main discharge .line 51, This arrangement provides for a -.-tho,rough l cleansing of the bulbs 45 and 46, as well 5810f 1 the'inlet tube 68 :and tubular elementlll:,';whereby theadevice is. ready for the next test.; It might" be notedthat,-a =portion.,of the freshwater which flushes therunitais Lretained. lwithin the bulbs ll and-J46; whereby the subsequent introduction 01'. the ,1 next specimen-of. urine .to v be I testedwill I add mixwith thislfresh water.- Inthis .typeiofl-test: it is desirablethatthe specimen bediluted antL-s the retention of fresh. water within the bulbs. H1 and accomplishes this purpose...-

The apparatus is automatic in its operation and oncelstartedcompletes its cycle. This a1.1t matic. operations is .accomplisheduby electrical mechanism and a complete-wiring diagram. is illustrated. in Figure 14.. As shown-in-this-figurei-- a main; control switch .-.contro1s.the .electricaL current; supply through the main. supply wires. SOIL-filldffiflb." The switch. .9 0. .is mounted on the: main, support panel l9, being..clearly shown in y. Figure 12; Ino addition tothe main switch, a start-. ing ,relay; 9| also =,provided;.and. this. .rela'yi is mounted; on therear side of.-.the panel 19." i The. sequence of operationof the-unit is controlled]; by an electric timing motor 92 '(Figure 12) which n has aplurality-of timing earns 93, 94; Hand 96 mounted on its drive shaft... The cams .co-aot with. and control electric. switches .93a,-. 9411,1954 1 andea said. switches including contact armsue 93b, 9412,9513 and 9622;, respectively, whicharmm ride upongthe cams... The switch' 93aiincludesgei contacts 53c; and 3 3d ,;which;. are. arranged tov Y be:- opened andclosed by the arm.-93-b in;accordance v with the positionof the cam 93.1: Switch-.940; includes-contacts 94c, and 94d,-..switchz.95az cludes contacts; 950. and :95d, While, switch, 960.: includes contacts 96,0 and 96d. The=contacts ofux the switches have connection. with; and :control; theoperating parts as,,wil11now beexplained.

Normally the switches 93azand 94a :are. open, whilethe switches 95a :and.,96a:-are closed. The, push button E8 in the front oftheaclosure or cover-- ll is the means which startsthe unitintoopen... atio r-and as shown-in Figured; zone..c0ntact of thepush button is connected through wire. I80? with;;cne side, 9G of ;the.;main;,-current supply: The other c ntac his connected through. a ,.wirew, wi h one -.s d .01"- a 0 1}!lG;; .,the..sta1itinE- 1 relay 9t. -The--oppositemidepflthe c0il,is con, nected through wire; 92o"; with the contact, ;95d of the switch; 95mm which switch is: normally}: sedv h ot er qu c eie oi-switch 95a;ha connection througha wire 956,110 thelother, side llb -of the maihicurrent;:;supply.;; Normally than shut J is1 s nsaeedofrom' itsr-contactsps. so that the circuitis broken bmthe wires: 1 Bwandu i m u ess mflf; the utton! 8. closes-the circuitm thro 11111116,CIQSQQ SWiBChgQEfi towthepoii Bin-pi M thesta ting relay. When-.;the,-coil.- 9la :ispenerer gized, the arinature fll 50f t-heystar-tingqlrelay ,SI: 1 is meted 0z'Q Q5 :a.-,C nn 9t n; etween twowpairswt of co tacts. ;The relay 9| includes contacts v9711M. and!) 2 b, as wellzasucontacts Ell'c' and 87d. Move-1 me it. fit i armature o nects .c ntactssla with; 9??) s nd ro shauoti er switch -.arm,-;connects.t tacts 91' aand; 1d.- W en -.:this,; o curs; a CH: cuit' isclosedthrough the relaynfll rtofl-theltimingw tQr I 92 ,1: this; circuit beingrthrough a wirewflle whichetxendsn om.l thmmcin-supply V-VlI'BJQUILtOW'; contact.9'id.- 1 Fmmlthis contact the .current zisl conducted through-a wire.v 9 If: to..c0ntact- 97a and x to contaetyillhbc;;From;this point the currentiflowsu through a wire 979 to the side 92b-or theitiming mot-or -92.:- The other-.side,of.thestiminganotor is connected throughanvire- Q'Zmwith the opposite side illiboflthe main currentsupply.

Atsithe :same. time that the timing-motor 9l is started-zthellights 801behind-the bulbs -45 and--- 45-, asnxwel-l as-the. comparison flights-J6 and I? which are in the hinged cover II are lighted. One side of the lights 80 is connected through a wire 80a to wire 9% while the opposite side is connected through a wire 80!? to the conductor 91g and back to contacts 91a, Ellb and wires M7 and 91a to the opposite side 99a of the main current supply. The lights l6 and H are also connected, through a wire Hu and wire 95c to the side 99b and through a wire llb to the conductor 910. Thus, when the motor is started the lights l6 and I! in the cover, as well as the lights 80 behind the bulbs 45 and 46, are lighted. In order to maintain the coil iiia of the starting relay energized after the push button [8 is released, the contact 910 of the relay is connected through the wire 966 to the conductor [8b which connects to one side of the coil 91a. This wire 96c is also connected to a wire 96 which leads to the contact 960 of the normally closed switch 96a. The other contact %d is connected through a wire 969 to one side of the solenoid 29 which actuates the ejector. The other side of the solenoid is connected through a wire 29a with one side 90b of the current supply. Therefore, when the starting relay is first actuated and a circuit is established between the contacts 910 and 91d, an electrical circuit is closed to the operating solenoid 29 to actuate the ejector and deposit the tablets within the bulbs 45 and 46. Closing of the contacts 910 and 91d of the starting relay also close an electrical circuit through wires'lZlZ and 13a to the heaters 12 and 13, wherebythese heaters are energized and heat the bulbs 45 and 46. At the same time a circuit is closed through the wire 96a to the coil tla of the starting relay so that after the operator releases the starting button 18, the timing motor 92 will continue to operate.

After operation of the solenoid 29, li hting of the lights, heating of the heaters, and starting of the motor, all of which occurs simultaneously cams 93 to 96 to be gradually rotated. The next occurrence in the cycle of operation is the opening of the switch 96a, whereby the'contacts 96c and 96d are separated. This action breaks the circuit to the solenoid 29 and it is pointed out that the cam 96 which controls the switch 96a is so adjusted that said switch is opened almost immediately after the timing motor begins operation. It is apparent that the solenoid 29 need be energized only momentarily and when the current is shut off the spring 34 will return the slide ejector to its original position.

As the motor continues to operate and when the heaters I2 and it have been energizedfor a sufficient length of time to properly heat the contents of the bulbs, the switch 95a is opened to separate the contacts 950 and 35d and break the circuit to the starting relay 9!, wherebycurrent to the heaters is cut off. Simultaneously with the opening of the switch ilila, the switch 93a is closed to connect its contacts 93c and 9301. When the starting relay 9! was de-energized by opening of the switch 95a, the current flow to the timing motor 92 was shut off through the relay and in order to maintain the current flow to the motor, the switch 93a closes to maintain a supply of current to the motor. This supply flows from the main wire Sim through a wire 83a to contact 533e, thence from contact 53d through wire li3f and wire dig to the motor.

switch 93a prevents the timing motor from being l0 stopped upon opening of the relay 9! which cuts off the heaters.

The motor 92 continues to operate whilethe tests being made in the bulbs 4-5 and 36 are being observed and after completion of the tests, the timing cam 94 of the switch Ma actuates the switch to close the same. When this occurs an electrical circuit is closed through the wire 95c, contacts 940 and Mel and a wire Me to the operating solenoid it of the water inlet valve 53. The opposite side of the solenoid has connection through a wire 54a with the opposite side of the main current supply. Obviously actuation of the water valve flushes the unit so that said unit is ready for the next operation. As soon as flushing is complete, the cams 93 and M. are so arranged as to reopen the switches 93a and 94a which opens the circuit to the water valve relay 54 and to the timing motor 92, whereby said motor is halted in its operation. Just as the switches 93a and 94a are opened to stop the motor 92, the cams 95 and 96 function to again close the switches 95a and 96a, whereby all parts are in position for the next tests.

Although a push button it which is manually operated has been shown, it may be desirable to actuate the device by the insertion of a coin and in Figure 15 a coin chute 160 is illustrated. This coin chute is mounted in the front cover H of the device and has contacts which connect to the wires 18a and I8?) of the wiring diagram. When the coin is introduced into the coin chute said coin rolls downwardly therein and is momentarily stopped adjacent the contacts by a spring member [ill and said coin functions to close the electrical circuit between the wires I811 and I812. It is apparent that in this instance the coin acts exactly in the same manner as the manually depressible push button.

In the operation of the apparatus, the specimen of mine to be tested is poured into the receiving funnel 66 and flows downwardly through the conductor and into the inlet tube fill. From this tubea portion of the specimen enters the bulb 45 through the leg 6|, while a predetermined volume enters the bulb 45 through the flask 63. It might be noted that the volume of the urine is not critical with respect to the albumin test butin order to obtain the same test upon each operation, with regard to the presence of sugar, the volume of the urine introduced into the bulb 46 should be controlled and the flask 63 accomplishes this result.

After the specimen has been introduced into the bulbs 45 and 46, the manually operated push button is is depressed or a coin is inserted to close a circuit to the starting relay 9i. As explained, the actuation of the starting relay lights the comparison lights l6 and I1, as well as the lights 80 behind the bulbs; the starting relay also energizes the heaters and operates the solenoid 29 which actuates the ejector. Actuation of the ejector deposits a tablet A in the bulb 45 and a tablet B in the bulb 46 whereby the test may be made by the chemical reaction of the tablets which are so introduced. The heaters 12 and 13 remain on for a suflicient length of time to bring the heat of the contents of the bulbs to a desired point and are then shut oii. When the heatersare shut oiT, the test is complete and the observer may view the contents of the bulbs 45 and 46 through the windows it and 14. By comparing the color of the contents of the bulbs with the color comparison lights l6 and ii, a novice may readily determine the presence of either .assaeve albuminorsugar in thespecimen. The .timing motor 92 is so adjusted that sufiicient'. time. for observance ,of the color of the contents-of the -:.bulb is permitted. After this ntimehas' elapsed, the. water inlet valve 53 is electricallyactuated to admit thefresh water for flushing purposes. Asexplained, this fresh. Water flows throughthe tubular element .to, thoroughly vflush out Ithebulbs -45 and-46. A portion of the fresh water. is. con ducted upwardly through the conductor H and :isejected into the receiving. funnel. 6G..from the Spray 69. This freshwater then "flows down- I .wardly to thoroughly cleanseandflushv the, inlet ,-tube\.60 'After the flushing operationiscomplete, .the. timing. motor is halted..andthe .ma-

- chine is ready for the next operation.

The apparatus is relatively .simple in .constructionand is entirely automatic in its=,operation. Any person regardless of-their unfamiliarity with urinalysis tests can makethetest eand accurately determine the result. Substanetially allof the operatin mechanism-is mounted Hon'the single supportingpanel l9 which makes it possible to readily remove the paneland thereby.-remove-' the contents vof the casing. .--In:.addition, the tubular element 41 whichincludes-the :rbulbs and 46 is maintainedimposition by *spring clips so as tobe readily removed. The use of the tablets facilitate handling of thechemicals which are necessaryior the tests The. tablets ..--are. .mounted within tubes whichare-easily rewmovable .-from their tspring clip holders. "As .previously noted the particular tablets which are w used are subject to variation.

-As an illustration of the general type of. tablet .to. be. used :inthe albumin test a composition of .sulfasalycillic acid and asmall amount -of-Iv boric :..acid-,;maybe pressed together: to form the: tablet.

The purpose of the boricsacidnistorassistzirrreleasing the tablet from thetdiesformingthesame.

' iThe tablet for the sugar .testemay. comprise ---sodiumicitrate, -sodium carbonate and copper'suly-zzphate in the; following proportions:

Per cent *Sodium citrate 47.5

" Sodium carbonate '-40'.5 Gopper sulphate 12.0

With this composition, any desired: or suitable :iquan'tity of mtalcum or boric ,1 acid: may be -used .zand: acts=as a"filler or lubricant forthe'stamping [dies to: assure release: of .the t tabletztherefrom. The foregoing compositionsare set forthas illus- :t-rative and it iswithin'thescope-ofithezinvention zto employ-any other?materialiina tableti form; for

vtubes3l andl38 of-a red orblackglass to enhance r their heat radiating qualities.

The foregoing description of 'thewinven-tion is explanatory thereof and various changesainwthe ..-size, shape and materialssas well as in .the'details '.-of the illustrated; constructionmay be -made, within the scope of .the appended: claims without departing from the spiritof the invention.

What I .claimcand- :desire to secure.- by Letters Patent is:

1. A.urine testing device. including,-.-a casing,

atpairvof test receptacles within. thelcasinge each vhavingan open upper end for receiving aspeciemenvofurine to .be tested, .a pair-.ofchemical altablet. containers one for each receptacle mounted 5. above the receptacles andhavingichemical tablets therein, ..an-,ejector mechanism inter-posedbe- ,tweenthe outlet end of. each container..and..,the receptacle associated with .said container," said ejector. mechanism including means for delivering .one tabletlfrom each container into :theoopen upper endpf. its associated receptacle'uponeach operationr of said ejector.V-mechanism actuating means :within: the casing connected .--with :each ejeotormechanism for operating the same,- :heat- 15 ing-means; adjacent. eachreceptacle for. heating ,z.the.contents:of the receptacle,- controlmeans for -said heating means: for operating "said heating imeans -to: heat the contentsof the -receptacles subsequentlyto -=the delivering of "a chemical 0.;talolet toeach receptacletby theejector mechanism, wherebythe specimen within :the :rer ceptac'les is subjected to testin 'accordancezwlth the chemical within said.receptaclessaidrpair of test. receptacleswbeing "spaced from-- each other pin -the same :horizontalplane; atubular rconnecttion extending between the receptacles and com- :"mu-nicating with the receptacles intermediate the supper and lowerends of the receptacles;:whereby then-connection establishes communication be- 1 tween. the" receptaclesxand 1 also whereby; the: re-

i'ceptac1es and connection; form a b single: unitary 7 :structure; and means: within the-J casing! for '-de- -ta'chablymounting said unitary structureswithin q the casing to; facilitate its removal' for: "cleaning "purposes. 7

2. --A':urina'lysis" device including, a casing; a plurality of: test *receptacleswithin the casing for receiving a specimen of urine to be'tested, a A viewing window in, thetcasinga aligned with-each receptacle and, through i'which'zthe receptacle ls "visible'from the'exterior'of the casing, whereby the contents of the receptacles may be "observed from the exterior of the casing, a.:plurality'* of xchemical wtablet' containersmounted within the 4.5. casingrabove the receptacles with the-.number'of "containers beingxther same 'as the number of receptacles, each container having itsv tablets .being xadapted to be deposited into one of the receptacles; a single ejector-disposed between: the outlet ends of i the tabletcontainersand' the receptacles intowhich .the tablets from such containers" are to be'deposited, actuating means forsoperating the l 1 single ejector :to: simultaneously ej ect" one tablet from" each container'and tor-deposit the tablet from each container'into its respective receptacle, :aan inlet'conduit extending -into;the casing and communicatingrwiththe receptacles for receiving -athe specimenwto be tested: and for conducting it Y to the receptacles; said test receptacles being two in-numberandbeing spaced from each-other in the samehorizontal plane within thecasing, a tubular connection extending between-the receptacles and communicating with each receptacle intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof, "wherebythe connection establishes communication between the receptacles and also whereby the-receptacles and connection form a single-unitarystructure, and means'within the casing: for detachably mounting said unitary structure with- -in thercasing tofacilitate its removal for-cleaningpurposes.

' 3. A-testingdevice of the character described including, a casing, a support within the casing, .-.a.pairof-testreceptacles mounted on said sup- 76. 1port-in'sthetsame horizontal; plane and spaced from each other and having their upper ends open, a tubular connection intermediate the ends of the receptacles and establishing communication therebetween, an inlet in the casing for introducing a fluid specimen to be tested, a tubular inlet element mounted within the connection between the receptacles connected with the inlet and having its discharge ends located above the receptacles for directing the specimen into said receptacles, means within the casing for introducing a chemical reagent into each receptacle, means adjacent each receptacle for heating the contents thereof after the chemical reagents have been added whereby the specimen within the receptacles is subjected to tests in accordance with the chemical reagents therein, and means for introducing a flushing fluid through the tubular inlet element whereby the flushing fluid flows through the tubular connection and through the receptacles to empty and cleanse said receptacles after the tests are complete.

4. As a sub-combination in a urinalysis device, a pair of test receptacles having their central portions connected by a tubular conductor and having their upper ends open, an inlet tube disposed longitudinally within the conductor and having its ends projecting into the receptacles whereby fluid introduced into the tube will flow into the receptacles, and an enlarged flask at one end of the tube and having a restricted outlet, for controlling the volume of fluid which flows from the tube into the test receptacle adjacent

Claims (1)

1. A URINE TESTING DEVICE INCLUDING, A CASING, A PAIR OF TEST RECEPTACLES WITHIN THE CASTING EACH HAVING AN OPEN UPPER END FOR RECEIVING A SPECIMEN OF URINE TO BE TESTED, A PAIR OF CHEMICAL TABLET CONTAINERS ONE FOR EACH RECEPTACLE MOUNTED ABOVE THE RECEPTACLES AND HAVING CHEMICAL TABLETS THEREIN, AN EJECTOR MMECHANISM INTERPOOSED BETWEEN THE OUTLET END OF EACH CONTAINER AND THE RECEPTACLE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTAINER, SAID EJECTOR MECHANISM INCLUDING MEANES FOR DELIVERING ONE TABLET FROM EACH CONTAINER INTO THE OPEN UPPER END OF ITS ASSOICATED RECEPTACLE UPON EACH OPERATION OF SAID EJECTOR MECHANISM, ACTUATING MEANS WITHIN THE CASTING CONNECTED WITH EACH EJECTOR MECHANISM FOR OPERATING THE SAME, HEAT ING MEANS ADJACENT EACH RECEPTACLE FOR HEATING THE CONTENTS OF THE RECEPTACLE, CONTROL MEANES FOR SAID HEATING MEANES FOR OPERATING AND HEATING MEANS TO HEAT THE CONTENTS OF THE RECEPTACLES SUBSEQUENTLY TO THE DELIVERING OF A CHEMICAL TABLET TO EACH RECEPTACLE BY THE EJECTOR MECHANISM, WHEREBY THE SPECIMEN WITHIN THE RE CEPTACLES IS SUBJECTED TO TEST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHEMICAL WITHIN SAID RECEPTACLES, SAID PAIR OF TEST RECEPTACLES BEING SPACED FROM EACH OTHER IN THE SAME HORIZONTAL PLANE, A TUBULAR CONNECTION EXTENDING BETWEEN THE RECEPTACLES AND COMMUNICATING WITH THE RECEPTACLES INTERMEDIATE THE UPPER AND LOWER ENDS OF THE RECEPTACLES, WHEREBY THE CONNECTION ESTABLISHES COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE RECEPTACLES AND ALSO WHEREBY THE RECEPTACLES AND CONNECTION FRON A SINGLE UNITARY STRUCTURE, AND MEANS WITHIN THE CASTING FOR DETACHABLY MOUNTING SAID UNITARY SRTUCTURE WITHIN THE CASING TO FACILIITATE ITS REMOVAL FOR CLEANING PURPOSES.

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