Abstract: Spectroscopic apparatus for sequentially detecting the presence of a plurality of elements in a sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of lamps (1a-1e) each of which is for detecting the presence of a respective at least one predetermined element in a plurality of elements. A beam selector (13) which may be a mirror, is operative to direct a beam of light (7) from any one of lamps (1a-1e) to an analysis zone (8). The apparatus includes a monochromator (15), the drive (24) of which is under the control of a controller (25) with a memory device (26) linked thereto. Predetermined settings for the monochromator corresponding to the peak settings for each wavelength of interest can be stored in memory (26) for subsequently driving the monochromator to those settings without the need to undertake a peaking routine for each elemental analysis, thereby saving analyses time.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprises a rotatable drum 2 having rollers 5 or cams 5' for squashing a flexible tube 9 against a profiled surface 10 of a presser plate 7. Tube 9 is mounted between supports 14 and 15 on presser plate 7 and is automatically movable between an inoperative and operative (pumping) position by pivotal movement of plate 7 about axis 8 produced by an electro mechanical actuator. A flexible membrane 33 is sandwiched between rollers 5 or cams 5' for eliminating shear forces on the tube 9. The construction of the pump and shape of profile 10 are such as to mimimise pulsations in the output flow. Systems for supplying a sample for analysis to spectroscopic apparatus using the peristaltic pump are also described.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprises a rotatable drum 2 having rollers 5 or cams 5' for squashing a flexible tube 9 against a profiled surface 10 of a presser plate 7. Tube 9 is mounted between supports 14 and 15 on presser plate 7 and is automatically movable between an inoperative and operative (pumping) position by pivotal movement of plate 7 about axis 8 produced by an electro mechanical actuator. A flexible membrane 33 is sandwiched between rollers 5 or cams 5' for eliminating shear forces on the tube 9. The construction of the pump and shape of profile 10 are such as to mimimise pulsations in the output flow. Systems for supplying a sample for analysis to spectroscopic apparatus using the peristaltic pump are also described.