Abstract: Embodiments of an analyzer for performing medical diagnostic analysis of biological samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the analyzer may have a first and at least a second disk-shaped cuvette conveyor each having an array of cuvette holders, a first drive unit for rotating the first cuvette conveyor about a rotation axis, and a second drive unit for rotating the second cuvette conveyor about the rotation axis. The operation of the second drive unit is independent from the operation of the first drive unit. The first cuvette conveyor and the second cuvette conveyor are spaced from each other in an axial direction along the rotation axis and with an air gap between them. The cuvette holders of the first cuvette conveyor and the cuvette holders of the second cuvette conveyor are adapted for holding cuvettes having the same shape and dimensions.

Abstract: Embodiments of an analyzer for performing medical diagnostic analysis of biological samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, the analyzer may have a first and at least a second disk-shaped cuvette conveyor each having an array of cuvette holders, a first drive unit for rotating the first cuvette conveyor about a rotation axis, and a second drive unit for rotating the second cuvette conveyor about the rotation axis. The operation of the second drive unit is independent from the operation of the first drive unit. The first cuvette conveyor and the second cuvette conveyor are spaced from each other in an axial direction along the rotation axis and with an air gap between them. The cuvette holders of the first cuvette conveyor and the cuvette holders of the second cuvette conveyor are adapted for holding cuvettes having the same shape and dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic chemical analytical apparatus for analyzing liquid samples. In order to provide a fully automatic transport of sample tubes containing samples to be analyzed, the apparatus includes a sample processing unit, a sample transport arrangement for transporting the sample racks from a rack supply unit to a rotatable sample rack carrier in the sample processing unit and vice versa, and a computer for controlling and coordinating the operation of the sample transport arrangement and an automatic pipetting unit. The sample processing unit includes the automatic pipetting unit and the rotatable sample rack carrier that accommodates a plurality of sample racks. Each sample rack, in turn, accommodates a plurality of sample tubes.

Abstract: A processing station is provided for removing a cuvette 1 from a transport magazine 2, for transferring the cuvette to a position for processing in order to carry out a processing step such as adding samples, adding reagents or mixing, and for returning the cuvette to the transport magazine after processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically separating cuvettes supplied in bulk form to an analytical instrument, the cuvettes being suitable for the performance of photometric measurements on samples contained in the cuvettes. To automatically separate cuvettes, the apparatus contains a receiving station for receiving the cuvettes in bulk form. It also includes a device for separating cuvettes, the device having an inlet through which disordered cuvettes can be supplied to the device, and an outlet through which individual cuvettes successively leave the device. A device is provided for conveying disordered cuvettes from the receiving station to the inlet of the device for separation of the cuvettes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the dewatering of naturally moist crude peat. In the method disclosed, dewatering is accomplished in stages. In the first stage, the peat is passed through a press (A) to produce an intermediate product which is passed to a filter press system (B) where the peat is further dewatered in at least two successive filter press chambers (11,13). In passage between the press chambers the peat is loosened and in the last dewatering stage (13) the peat is compacted. The resultant product can be handleable and transportable with minimal risk. In addition to being largely independent of weather and temperature, the method is considerably more economical than previous processes which were inefficient in terms of time and/or energy consumption.

Abstract: A method and machine for fabricating building boards or the like, especially asbestos cement plates, contains a turbulence device having at least one channel with a step-shaped widened portion. The channel either has the form of a slot extending over the entire width of the machine or there are provided a series of cylindrical bores forming essentially parallel channels. An intermediate chamber or compartment merges with the channel or channels. Leading from the intermediate chamber is an outlet gap to the upper surface of a felt band.

Abstract: In method for the dewatering of naturally moist, coarse lump peat or of a similar material, the material is continuously fractured into particles to approximately 2-3 cm diameter and is dispersed onto a lower screen belt. With the leading in of a provided upper screen belt the material is conveyed between the two screen belts through a preliminary dewatering zone, where at a pressure which is only given through the tension of the screen belts in a loop on at least one pair of rolls, a homogeneous filter cake is produced. The latter is pressed in a subsequent dewatering zone of a number of pairs of nip rolls at a pressure increasing along the zone between screen belts, whereby in each case between the screen belt and the nip roll a pressure belt, equal in width to the screen belt, is carried long, consisting of an elastic, watertight material, but which is designed to receive and carry away the filtrate and to stabilize the material which is to be pressed.