Measuring unit and rotary valve for use therein

Abstract

A measuring unit includes a quantifying section for quantifying a sample in volume, a main channel communicating with the quantifying section, an analyzing section provided in the main channel for analyzing the quantified sample, and a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the analyzing section, wherein the analyzing section comprises at least one of an electrical characteristic measuring section for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sample and an optical characteristic measuring section for measuring an optical characteristic of the sample.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A measuring unit comprising: 
 a quantifying section for quantifying a sample in volume;    a main channel communicating with the quantifying section;    an analyzing section provided in the main channel for analyzing the quantified sample; and    a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the analyzing section,    wherein the analyzing section comprises at least one of an electrical characteristic measuring section for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sample and an optical characteristic measuring section for measuring an optical characteristic of the sample.    
     
     
         2 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the quantifying section has a diluting section for diluting the sample to be analyzed with a predetermined volume of diluent.  
     
     
         3 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a sample receiving section for receiving the sample to be quantified, the sample receiving section communicating with the quantifying section.  
     
     
         4 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the sample receiving section is configured so as to receive a capillary blood sampler inserted therein.  
     
     
         5 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the quantifying section comprises a rotary valve, which includes an outer cylinder having an open bottom and a cylindrical inner circumferential surface, and an inner cylinder having a closed bottom and a recess provided in an outer circumferential surface thereof for quantifying the sample, the inner cylinder being fitted in the outer cylinder and rotatable about an axis thereof in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder defining a diluent container for containing the diluent.  
     
     
         6 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the rotary valve further comprises a first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, and a second channel for allowing the recess to communicate with the diluent container, wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open and close the first channel and the second channel.  
     
     
         7 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open the first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, to close the first channel for quantifying the sample, and to open the second channel for transporting the quantified sample into the diluent container for dilution of the sample.  
     
     
         8 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the electrical characteristic measuring section comprises a separation plate having a small through-hole and provided in the main channel to obstruct the main channel, and two electrodes exposed to the main channel on opposite sides of the separation plate.  
     
     
         9 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the optical characteristic measuring section is located in a portion of the main channel, which is pervious to light and configured so as to be interposed between a light source and a light receiving device.  
     
     
         10 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising an upper plate and a lower plate stacked on the upper plate, wherein the quantifying section, the main channel and the analyzing section are provided in at least one of the upper and lower plates.  
     
     
         11 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the main channel has a bubble trapping portion for preventing a bubble from moving toward the quantifying section.  
     
     
         12 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the main channel has a rectifying portion for rectifying the transported diluted sample.  
     
     
         13 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the pressure introduction port comprises a pipe projecting into the main channel.  
     
     
         14 . A rotary valve comprising: 
 an outer cylinder having an open bottom and a cylindrical inner circumferential surface; and    an inner cylinder having a closed bottom and a recess provided in an outer circumferential surface thereof for quantifying a sample,    the inner cylinder being fitted in the outer cylinder and rotatable about an axis thereof in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder,    the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder defining a diluent container for containing a diluent.    
     
     
         15 . A rotary valve as set forth in  claim 14 , further comprising a first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, and a second channel for allowing the recess to communicate with the diluent container, wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open and close the first channel and the second channel.  
     
     
         16 . A rotary valve as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open the first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, to close the first channel for quantifying the sample, and to open the second channel for transporting the quantified sample into the diluent container for dilution of the sample.  
     
     
         17 . A measuring unit comprising, 
 an electrical resistance measuring section for measuring an electrical resistance of a sample,    wherein the electrical resistance measuring section is detachably connected to an analyzer having a constant direct current source and a signal processing section.    
     
     
         18 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the electrical resistance measuring section comprises a main channel for transporting the sample therethrough, a separation plate having a small through-hole and provided in the main channel to obstruct the main channel, and two electrodes exposed to the main channel on opposite sides of the separation plate, the two electrodes being detachably connected to the analyzer.  
     
     
         19 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein the channel has a rectifying portion for rectifying the transported sample.  
     
     
         20 . A measuring unit as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein the electrical resistance measuring section has a space for retaining the measured sample.  
     
     
         21 . A measuring unit set forth in  claim 17  further comprising: 
 a quantifying section for quantifying the sample in volume;  
 a main channel communicating between the quantifying section and the electrical resistance measuring section; and  
 a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the electrical resistance measuring section.