Abstract: A radiation measuring apparatus for performing measurements on samples contained in a plurality of sample containers disposed in the form of a matrix on a holder plate, the apparatus including a radiation detector having an entrance window, displacement devices for aligning successive sample containers with the entrance window of the radiation detector for automatic measurement of samples in the sample containers, the radiation detector and the sample containers being movable relative to one another in such a way that the sample container being measured and the entrance window of the detector are disposed coaxially with each other.

Abstract: A system for a plurality of specimen containers for performing assays, such as chemo- or bioluminescence measurements, includes a support element used for transporting the specimen containers through a measuring instrument, and a holder in which a plurality of specimen containers are received and which, for performing the measurement, can be mounted on the support element. The holder is a disposable component, so that once the measurement has been performed it can be discarded along with the specimen containers. For receiving multiple holders outside the measuring instrument, a stand is provided. Both on the holder and on the stand and support element, special provisions are made for positioning of the specimen containers both in the stand and in the support element in a way that both assures satisfactory measurement and precludes any mistake in the order of the specimen containers during the measurement or during the preparatory steps in the process.

Abstract: A specimen rack for specimen containers such as test tubes composed of M structurally identical holders for linearly receiving N specimen containers at a time as well as a stand for receiving the M holders, which stand has vertical side parts, so that a plurality of holders can be mounted on the stand parallel to one another and affixed there by means of a detent connection. With this modularly designed specimen rack, the stand enables secure holding of multiple containers, while contrarily the holders, in which the specimen containers can remain during all the stages of the procedure, may be an inexpensive disposable plastic part the purpose of which is merely the linear, spatial association of a number of specimen containers, and which after the measurement is ended can optionally be discarded along with the specimen containers. Because of the minimal design of such a holder, any disposal problems are also slight.

Abstract: A specimen rack composed of a block having a matrix-like arrangement of M.times.N through chambers, into which M.times.N cuvettes can be inserted, individually or in the form of strip-racks. Separate connecting strips may be provided to form the strip-racks, and these strips, like the block, are of radiopaque material so that each cuvette, except for a region defined by the lower opening cross section of the through chambers and their upper filling opening, is continuously opaquely shielded from scattering radiation from adjacent cuvettes. Annular shoulders, serving as rests, are dimensioned and disposed in the through chambers such that the vertical position and thus the assay position of the cuvettes in the through chambers can be fixed in defined fashion. Thus the measurement sensitivity on the one hand and possible crosstalk phenomena in the vicinity of the measurement openings on the other can be minimized or optimally adapted to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a star wheel for precise positioning of specimen containers in circumferentially successive segments of the star wheel. The apparatus includes at least two sensor arrays, each including a transmitter and receiver, which are angularly offset from one another in the plane of rotation of the star wheel and face end surfaces of segmental vanes of the star wheel. Each time the star wheel reaches a defined angular position, one of the sensor arrays responds, and the output signal of this sensor array, via a control circuit, triggers a drive motor for the star wheel such that its rotational speed is reduced, and the output signal of the other sensor array, when the same segment moves past it, stops the motor.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for bioluminescence and chemiluminescence has coupled holders that can slide on a horizontal locating surface with specimen pans, which are fed successively to a light entry port (point of measurement) which is shielded outwardly in light-tight fashion. The holders are fitted with a side window and the point of measurement is placed at the level of these windows opposite thereto.Among other advantages, the specimen pans need no longer be removed from their holders in order to carry out the measurement at the point of measurement, but can remain therein. The mechanical driving and sliding mechanisms for this vertical lift needed heretofore can thus be dispensed with.

Abstract: A measuring station for a photometer has an aperture which connects a measuring chamber and the environment and through which a sample vessel can be introduced into the measuring chamber and/or removed from the measuring chamber. The sample vessel is raised and lowered by a plunger which is adapted to seal against the aperture by means of a sealing element. The sealing element has a first position in which its periphery circumscribes a smaller area than the internal clear cross-section of the aperture, to permit the sample vessel to be lifted into the chamber. The sealing element can then be expanded radially into sealing engagement with the aperture to seal the plunger to the walls of the aperture to prevent ingress of light.