Abstract: A machine for automatic in vitro detection of analytes, the machine being of the type including an optical reader device capable of detecting the optical response of the reaction solution to electromagnetic stimulation using a photoelectric receiver that is carried by a movable carriage of the machine and that moves under automatic control in order to bring the photoelectric receiver into various positions, each corresponding to various respective analysis zones. The photoelectric receiver forms part of a spectrometer capable of delivering a chromatic spectral decomposition of the optical response. Also provided are methods of automatic in vitro detection and/or quantification of analytes. In one method, a chromatic spectral decomposition of the optical response is acquired and two distinct optical agents are detected separately using the spectral decomposition.

Abstract: A composition for enzyme immunoassay using immunofluorescence comprises (i) a fluorogenic enzymatic substrate and (ii) a quenched fluorogenic compound that forms a fluorescent compound after hydrolysis of the fluorogenic enzymatic substrate. The composition may be useful for performing a method for in vitro detection and/or quantification of an analyte of a liquid test sample liable to contain the analyte.

Abstract: A bar code reader device (10) having a bar code reader apparatus (12) with: a) a light emitter system (14); b) a light recovery system (28) capable of recovering light reflected from a working viewing zone through a reflected light conditioning system (30); and c) a photoelectric sensor. The device (10) includes an auxiliary optical system (36) that is arranged permanently in the working viewing zone at a distance from the sensor (26) and in series with the reflected light conditioning system (30) in such a manner that a fraction, but not all, of the working viewing zone is intercepted by the auxiliary optical system (36).

Abstract: A machine for automatic in vitro detection of analytes, the machine being of the type comprising an optical reader device (30) capable of detecting the optical response of the reaction solution to electromagnetic stimulation using a photoelectric receiver (70) that is carried by a movable carriage (32) of the machine and that moves under automatic control in order to bring the photoelectric receiver into various positions, each corresponding to various respective analysis zones (26?), the machine being characterized in that the photoelectric receiver (70) forms part of a spectrometer (64) capable of delivering a chromatic spectral decomposition of the optical response. The invention also provides methods of automatic in vitro detection and/or quantification of analytes. In one method, a chromatic spectral decomposition of the optical response is acquired and two distinct optical agents are detected separately by means of said spectral decomposition.

Abstract: A bar code reader device (10) having a bar code reader apparatus (12) with: a) a light emitter system (14); b) a light recovery system (28) capable of recovering light reflected from a working viewing zone through a reflected light conditioning system (30); and c) a photoelectric sensor. The device (10) includes an auxiliary optical system (36) that is arranged permanently in the working viewing zone at a distance from the sensor (26) and in series with the reflected light conditioning system (30) in such a manner that a fraction, but not all, of the working viewing zone is intercepted by the auxiliary optical system (36).

Abstract: A composition for enzyme immunoassay using immunofluorescence comprises (i) a fluorogenic enzymatic substrate and (ii) a quenched fluorogenic compound that forms a fluorescent compound after hydrolysis of the fluorogenic enzymatic substrate. The composition may be useful for performing a method for in vitro detection and/or quantification of an analyte of a liquid test sample liable to contain the analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the in vitro detection and/or quantification, by fluorometry, of at least one analyte in a sample of fluid constituting a biological material, in particular for an immunological test, including a radiation source, followed by an optical splitter for splitting the main beam into a sample-energizing beam and a reference beam, with a first photodetector means for detecting a fluorescence ray emitted by the sample and a second photodetector means for the reference beam, said system also including a generator outputting a sinusoidal carrier signal and at least one digital demodulation signal, and a digital processing means for processing, by demodulation, the signals from the two photodetector means in order to extract a fluorescence value that is characteristic of the amplitude of the fluorescence ray and a second reference value that is characteristic of the amplitude of the reference beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the in vitro detection and/or quantification, by fluorometry, of at least one analyte in a sample of fluid constituting a biological material, in particular for an immunological test, including a radiation source, followed by an optical splitter for splitting the main beam into a sample-energizing beam and a reference beam, with a first photodetector means for detecting a fluorescence ray emitted by the sample and a second photodetector means for the reference beam, said system also including a generator outputting a sinusoidal carrier signal and at least one digital demodulation signal, and a digital processing means for processing, by demodulation, the signals from the two photodetector means in order to extract a fluorescence value that is characteristic of the amplitude of the fluorescence ray and a second reference value that is characteristic of the amplitude of the reference beam.

Abstract: A material for use in washing comprising a textile article having a first functionality and a water-soluble container enclosing a composition having a second functionality.

Abstract: A process for treating a soil on a laundry item before it is washed, which comprises contacting the soil with a laundry cleaning product having an enclosing wall and containing a composition in the form of a powder, said composition comprising an active agent selected from the group consisting of a surfactant, a bleach or a mixture thereof, the wall being permeable to water and to components dissolved therein.

Abstract: A process for treating a laundry item, which comprises contacting the laundry item with a cleaning composition in the form of a solid comprising an insoluble active agent that is capable of binding soil and free dyes, such that soil on the laundry item is bound to the insoluble active agent, and removing the composition from the laundry item, optionally in the absence of water.

Abstract: A material for use in washing comprising a textile article having a first functionality and a water-soluble container enclosing a composition having a second functionality.